Lausanne World Pulse – PUBLISHER'S MEMO – The Poor, the Needy and the Hope of Heaven

By Lon Allison

God speaking through Jeremiah tells us that defending the poor and needy is what it means to know him. This work of mercy and justice may distinguish the Church more than anything else from every other institution. Helping the poor and needy does little to improve the national economy. It doesn’t really strengthen a government. There is little “pay back” that comes from mercy ministry. Thus, it should not surprise us when governments and businesses respond initially to tragedy, but do not stay for the long run in helping the poor and the needy. That is our job as Christ’s Church. Why? Because every human being is made in the imago dei, the image of God, and creation is created by God. We are therefore brothers to all, and stewards of the world in which people dwell. That is part of our assignment while residents here on earth.

The work of mercy and justice may distinguish the Church more than anything else from every other institution.

You will read many sad stories in the following pages. You will learn that ten percent of the world struggles with disabilities. You will read of a mission agency living among the poor where there are more funerals than births and weddings. But do not fall to despair brothers and sisters! In the world’s most hopeless corners, you will also read of the Church of Jesus showing up, bringing the help that our hands, minds and pocketbooks can provide, and where the message of Jesus is as sweet as the cups of water given in his name.

A final word is in order. This summer, I am thinking a lot about heaven. I am longing for it. I am preaching it. Why? Because it is the best part of the gospel. It is the “real” land where badness and sadness are forever banned. As we serve the poor and needy, with no hope of anything in return but the knowledge that we carry on the work of Jesus, tell them about heaven. Give them the hope of the river that flows from the throne of God and the trees whose leaves heal the nations and hearts of those broken by life. Tell them. Tell yourself in the process. The gospel of heaven is food and drink to the tired soul.