Patrick's Paragraphs - Prophet of the Poor

“He has told you what is good; and what the LORD requires of you to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8

I was reading from the book of Micah recently. Some scholars call Micah the “Prophet of the Poor” because of his emphasis on injustice, and God’s word to the downtrodden. It is fitting that we named our benevolent fund the Micah Fund, but it was named after a little boy who died from complications associated with malnutrition.
I heard an economist on the radio today. He said that poverty would virtually be a memory in about 50 years from now. He sited South Korea and other developed nations that were considered “Third World” countries just 50 years ago. “Industry and technology have made it possible to overcome poverty,” he said.
I hate to be the prophet of bad news, but Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you.” The sad fact is that the world is not getting better. It is true that there is more wealth and prosperity than any other time in history, and the wealth is being spread around to more people. But it is also true that greed is prevalent and sin is in the flesh of men.
We have seen in recent years that democracy nor wealth bring peace. The most miserable people on the planet are some of the most free and affluent. Granted, to be poor in America is considered rich in many nations, but every city in America has neighborhoods where people seem not to be able to afford what many have come to see as necessities.
The Good News is that there is a day of peace coming. There is a day when all suffering will cease. Until that day, we have been commanded to bind up the brokenhearted and set captives free. We have been told to practice true religion and care for widows and orphans. We have received the word from God to love our brothers and our enemies. In doing these things, we will see His kingdom come and His will being done. Those who have been faithful in these small things will see the day of resurrection with great joy.