Scripture says two contradictory things about poverty: first, that it should never exist; and second, that we will always have it. How and why does it say this, and how do we make sense of this contradiction?
Poverty should never exist
The biblical narrative repeatedly insists that our world has been created by a good God who provides abundantly for his creatures. This insistence begins in Genesis 1 with the refrain ‘And God saw that it was good… it was good… it was very good.’ Here is a world bursting with life and dynamic energy with provision for all. And it reaches its completion and climax when God creates man and woman in God’s image, who are intended to be ‘fruitful and multiply.’ As they exercise the dominion of God over the world, it will supply all their needs.
This refrain is repeated through scripture, with the clearest expression in Psalm 104.
‘He makes grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth’ (verse 14).
The celebration of wine and bread that follows (verse 15) found its way into Jewish prayers of thanksgiving, and the words that Jesus used at the Last Supper when he ‘took bread… and took wine… and blessed’ God. This supply for our needs is a reflection of God’s gracious character and a testimony to his faithfulness.
Jesus reaffirms God’s provision in his teaching about trust in Matthew 6:25–34. If God provides for the birds of the air, how much more will he provide for us! Jesus invites us into a great exchange – we swap our anxiety about life for trust in God’s provision, and knowing his care for our needs then allows us to focus on his kingdom.
Poverty will always be present
