Topical Bible: The Poor: should Rejoice in God

◄ The Poor: should Rejoice in God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The theme of the poor rejoicing in God is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, emphasizing the spiritual richness and divine favor bestowed upon those who may lack material wealth. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that God's kingdom operates on principles that often contrast with worldly values.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the relationship between the poor and God. In the Psalms, the poor are frequently depicted as recipients of God's special attention and care. Psalm 34:6 states, "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." This verse highlights the assurance that God hears and delivers the poor, encouraging them to find joy in His salvation.

The prophetic literature also underscores this theme. Isaiah 29:19 declares, "The humble will increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." Here, the prophet Isaiah envisions a time when the poor will experience profound joy in God's presence, reflecting a future hope and divine justice.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to affirm the blessedness of the poor in spirit. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This statement reveals that spiritual poverty, characterized by humility and dependence on God, is a pathway to divine blessing and eternal joy.

The Gospel of Luke further emphasizes this theme. In Luke 6:20-21 , Jesus says, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." These verses assure the poor that their current hardships will be transformed into joy and fulfillment in God's kingdom.

Apostolic Insights

The apostolic writings also address the condition of the poor and their cause for rejoicing. James 2:5 reminds believers, "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?" This passage highlights the spiritual wealth and inheritance promised to the poor, encouraging them to rejoice in their faith and divine election.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of contentment and joy irrespective of material circumstances. In Philippians 4:12-13 , he writes, "I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Paul's words serve as a testament to the sufficiency of Christ, enabling the poor to find joy and strength in Him.

Theological Reflections

The biblical narrative consistently portrays the poor as having a unique place in God's heart and plan. Their joy in God is not contingent upon earthly possessions but is rooted in their relationship with Him. This joy is a profound expression of faith, trust, and hope in God's promises and His ultimate justice.

The poor are encouraged to rejoice in God because He is their refuge, provider, and vindicator. Their joy is a testimony to the transformative power of God's love and grace, which transcends material lack and offers eternal riches in His kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Poor Man's Friend
... I should rejoice to think that, you had taken them upon yourself, and ... that was against,
us; and, now, every poor sinner, who is indebted to God's law, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

God the Joy-Bringer
... It was a poor affair as compared with the magnificent house ... not think it so, that
all mankind should rejoice in Himself ... I was going to say that God had only one ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/god the joy-bringer.htm

Psalm CXLIX.
... poor, because the people shouteth not that the poor should be given to ... "The exultations
of God are in ... mouths" (ver.6). In such wise shall they "rejoice in their ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlix.htm

A Liberal Church
... Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this ... they had not received the grace
of God in vain ... The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

The Ninth Chapter: all Things Should be Referred to God as their ...
... INTERNAL CONSOLATION The Ninth Chapter: All Things should be Referred ... Me the small
and the great, the poor and the ... you are truly wise, you will rejoice only in ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the ninth chapter all things.htm

A Service in the Olden Time. Nehemiah viii.
... Pulpits should help, not hinder the preacher. ... (verses 10-12). It would be well if,
after every good time we had at chapel, we made the poor to rejoice. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xlv a service in the.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... they have it not as yet, they should know that ... may have in this world"among His poor,
whom He ... priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice and sing ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

Nicholas Tells his Story to Dr. Tauler
... He knew the thoughts He had towards that poor benighted man, "thoughts of ... God should
give thee grace to say still more, I should heartily rejoice in it ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter viii nicholas tells his.htm

Letter vii. --The Want of Good-Will.
... struck to the heart, but that your soul will rejoice in God over its despair, even
should it be ... which I return thanks to God for you, poor blind creature ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter vii the want of good-will.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... For when the disciples asked who should be the greatest ... consolation here;(9) because
whilst the poor enter into ... Rejoice ye humble, and exult ye poor, for yours ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm