David DeSilva: Needy and Nobodies

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He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. Psalm 113:7

“As another example, we may look to the eschatological “parables” in Matthew 24:45–25:46. Throughout this passage honor is promised to those who have lived out their lives faithful to Jesus’ word; dishonor awaits those who fail to take his word to heart and commit their lives to bearing the fruits of righteousness. In the first parable (24:45–51) the servants who are continually occupied with the business that the master has assigned them will receive honor within the household of the master at his return. Those who neglect their service will be shamed and cast out from the household. In the parable of the talents (25:14–30) the language of approval and disapproval comes to the fore as the master praises and exalts those who use what the master has entrusted to them to increase the kingdom, but the one who fails in this regard comes to disgrace, being branded “worthless”, “wicked and lazy”, and being excluded from the kingdom. Finally, those who have engaged in works of love, deeds of charity and mercy toward the hungry, weak, sick, poor, and imprisoned are pronounced “honored” or “favored” by God (Mt 25:34). Here believers are taught that, ultimately, their honor depends not on networking with the rich and powerful but with responding in mercy and generosity toward the needy and nobodies.”

David DeSilva in An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2004) 665.

I think there are more “needy and nobodies” in India than any other country on the planet, so this reading really stuck out to me.

Yesterday I had the privilege of training 59 workers to raise local funds. It went fantastic in collaboration with Sanjay Patra, Manju George, and Mercia Justin. These 59 stewards serve the poor, lead ministries, run hospitals, provide education for the marginalized, and more.

Their receptiveness to the training renewed my enthusiasm to serve those who work with the “needy and nobodies” after a tough day before.

Today marks the end of the fiscal year for GTP. If you have not given yet this year, I invite you to do so here. Your support cover trips like this one which results in the lifting of “the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump.” Thanks.