So I was reading Luke 6 last night and Luke 6 contains a slightly different version of the Beatitudes. And it says,
"Woe to those who are rich, for you have received your comfort."
And I went to my MAP book. It's a reference book that's also kinda funny and explains a lot and leaves things alone when we are uncertain.
The only comment is makes is that Luke's version speaks directly about the poor in stuff and Matthew's version speaks also of those who are poor in spirit.
And I just kept thinking...are we the rich?
I've looked at this before: http://www.globalrichlist.com/
Does anyone else have a take on this? Are we the rich? And, if so, what does that mean?
UPDATE: I was doing a Google search on it and here's something I've found: The woes also reflect prophetic tradition. A woe warns of condemnation. Here Jesus addresses the judgment of God to the callous rich and others who are comfortable with their state in life while being unconcerned about the needs of others. The lack of a genuine spiritual dimension in their life is seen in the comparison Jesus makes between them and the false prophets. For those who do not engage God on the divinity's terms there looms nothing but the terrible expectation of a day of reckoning. One of the dangers of wealth is that it can lead one to believe a life of independence is possible--a view that Jesus teaches is arrogant and misguided (12:13-21). The world's values are not God's values. The reversal portrayed in the beatitudes and woes reflects the idea that "the one with the most toys" often loses. God's blessing can be found in surprising places. It rests on those who rest in him.The Call to Exceptional Love and Mercy (6:27-36)
I think as Americans we have a skewed perspective of money. Amazima ministries says they save the 40 cent stamp so they can provide three more meals to children. AMAZING! It's not steak and potatoes, but it's a meal. As Americans (even those who struggle financially) we are rich (money-wise). Spiritually I think we may be one of the poorest countries in the world.
ReplyDeleteI think it's okay to have money, as long as it doesn't have you. I just read the scripture the other day about the guy who was putting up a building to hoard all his stuff in. That...God doesn't like. If He blesses, it's so the blessing can bless others.
ReplyDeleteHey, I just posted something on my other blog that bowled me over. Thought you might like it too...
www.markingsinthewood.blogspot.com