Madagascar.
If you have heard of Madagascar, you have probably only heard of it from the movies Madagascar. Other things you may find interesting are that 90% of the flora and fauna found in Madagascar, is found no where else in the world. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world! Can you believe it? And you thought it was a tiny island off the coast of mainland Africa...well think again.
The population of Madagascar is around 25 million. The Antemoro people make up about 1.5 million of that and live on the southeastern coast. Did you know that Madagascar, on some lists, ranks in the top 5 poorest nations in the world? I see poverty every day. And lest you think it is only in the village, poverty is everywhere.
I see poverty monetarily and poverty spiritually. Can you remember a time where you saw both types of poverty in one person? Can you remember a time when you saw it every day? I'm not saying it doesn't happen in the United States, because it does. But the fact is that it doesn't happen very often.
I am constantly plagued by the want to help. The need to fix. I have things, they don't have things. But sadly, I more readily see their physical need first. How can I get them food? How can I help them sustain their lives? How can I get them medicine? There is only one thing I should be seeing first.
Poverty without Jesus.
In Matthew 6, Jesus is talking about laying up treasures in Heaven. He tells the people on the mountain to not store things on earth, because they rust (boy, don't I know that! The sea air is not kind) and break and people steal them. But treasures in Heaven? Those last forever. And if our treasure is in Heaven, "there your heart will be also" (v.21).
He then launches into worry. Isn't it just like us humans to be all "yeah! Store up treasures in Heaven! But wait...I need money....and food....and...."? The worry creeps in immediately. The lie that God doesn't care for you comes with the word money. So, Jesus is telling the crowd on the mountainside, look how I care for the birds and the grass and the flowers, are you not of more value?
The truth is, God knows our needs. He knows the money we do or do not have. He knows that we need food and clean water to survive. He knows that and He cares that we don't have it. But He is more concerned that we aren't seeking Him first.
We can have all the money and food and riches in the whole world and still be poor without Jesus. No amount of clothing or food will change the gaping hole in our hearts. Jesus doesn't promise us food, he promises himself. He promises that we will find all we need in Him. And there is nothing we can do to earn it.
Do I have answers on what will help the impoverished people physically? No. I know what may possibly help them in the meantime, but for years to come? No. I do, however, have answers to what will help them spiritually. I do have answers to what will give them freedom and life. I do have that answer. His name is Jesus. He was mocked and crushed for our sin. He died a horrible death. Was buried in a borrowed tomb. And claimed victory over death when he arose 3 days later.
That is the best answer I've ever heard. No worrying, just Jesus.
If you have heard of Madagascar, you have probably only heard of it from the movies Madagascar. Other things you may find interesting are that 90% of the flora and fauna found in Madagascar, is found no where else in the world. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world! Can you believe it? And you thought it was a tiny island off the coast of mainland Africa...well think again.
The population of Madagascar is around 25 million. The Antemoro people make up about 1.5 million of that and live on the southeastern coast. Did you know that Madagascar, on some lists, ranks in the top 5 poorest nations in the world? I see poverty every day. And lest you think it is only in the village, poverty is everywhere.
I see poverty monetarily and poverty spiritually. Can you remember a time where you saw both types of poverty in one person? Can you remember a time when you saw it every day? I'm not saying it doesn't happen in the United States, because it does. But the fact is that it doesn't happen very often.
I am constantly plagued by the want to help. The need to fix. I have things, they don't have things. But sadly, I more readily see their physical need first. How can I get them food? How can I help them sustain their lives? How can I get them medicine? There is only one thing I should be seeing first.
Poverty without Jesus.
In Matthew 6, Jesus is talking about laying up treasures in Heaven. He tells the people on the mountain to not store things on earth, because they rust (boy, don't I know that! The sea air is not kind) and break and people steal them. But treasures in Heaven? Those last forever. And if our treasure is in Heaven, "there your heart will be also" (v.21).
He then launches into worry. Isn't it just like us humans to be all "yeah! Store up treasures in Heaven! But wait...I need money....and food....and...."? The worry creeps in immediately. The lie that God doesn't care for you comes with the word money. So, Jesus is telling the crowd on the mountainside, look how I care for the birds and the grass and the flowers, are you not of more value?
The truth is, God knows our needs. He knows the money we do or do not have. He knows that we need food and clean water to survive. He knows that and He cares that we don't have it. But He is more concerned that we aren't seeking Him first.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
We can have all the money and food and riches in the whole world and still be poor without Jesus. No amount of clothing or food will change the gaping hole in our hearts. Jesus doesn't promise us food, he promises himself. He promises that we will find all we need in Him. And there is nothing we can do to earn it.
Do I have answers on what will help the impoverished people physically? No. I know what may possibly help them in the meantime, but for years to come? No. I do, however, have answers to what will help them spiritually. I do have answers to what will give them freedom and life. I do have that answer. His name is Jesus. He was mocked and crushed for our sin. He died a horrible death. Was buried in a borrowed tomb. And claimed victory over death when he arose 3 days later.
That is the best answer I've ever heard. No worrying, just Jesus.
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