Who is Suppose to Care for the Poor?

Psalm 41:1, 2 Blessed [is] he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

One of the greatest ways we as a nation and a people can guarantee God's blessing and prosperity is by caring for the poor. Unfortunately, by most indications, neither the government, the private sector, nor the church seems to be doing a very good job of this today. If I understand the scriptures correctly, the church has been given more responsibility by God to care for the poor than the government or private sector. I do believe God will "deliver in time of troubles and preserve, keep, and bless" any government or business that gives and cares for the poor; however, there seems to be an emphasis in the New Testament of the church giving to the poor as illustrated in Romans 15:26 where offerings were given to the poor in the church in Jerusalem.

What would happen if every church in America would care for the poor within the church? For one thing, a large part of the country's poor would then be cared for. Secondly, more of the poor would be coming to church if they knew that the church cared about their needs. As that happened, God would bless the church even more so that they could help and care for even more poor people which again would lessen the burden of the government.

As I understand the pure purpose of government is to "protect the people." Maybe we should let the government do what it is suppose to do and the church do what God calls it to do. Jesus said it best to the rich young ruler, "...One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." {Mark 10:31}

-Pastor Randy