Jehovah; the lifter of the Poor.

By Rev. Dr. Adesina Abegunde on August 21, 2022

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. “For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and He has set the world upon them.”” 1 Samuel 2:8

Hannah was a poor woman – even though she had material possessions – in the sense that she had no child. This is seen in 1 Samuel 1:5
This tells us that the word ‘poor’ or ‘poverty’ is relative. In fact, the word ‘poor’ as used in this context refers to anyone who is not in possession up to a level where men can classify him or her as “something.”
It is worthy to establish here that a man can be poor in spirit or soul or body. You might be rich physically but poor spiritually (this is a state where you know that you are not in possession of enough of what God wants you to have.)
Poverty is not only about lack of money; it is about not being sufficient either in your spirit, soul or body.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, we see how God shows special concern for the poor.
Interestingly, Jesus’ first mandate as seen in the book of Isaiah 61:1 reveals this; “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor…” NKJV
This means that the poor were ranked number one in the category of men that Jesus is interested in catering for.

Sadly, in this part of the world, it is obvious that the government do not have plans for the poor. Instead of helping the poor, government will rather extort and exploit them.

To be lifted from this state of poverty, a key requirement is that – such a man must know that he is poor. Because; it takes the understanding of your poverty to pray well. When you don’t have the understanding that you lack something, you cannot genuinely cry to God for the lifting that resolves the lack. Other requirements include; Humility and Submission.

Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:9-20 prayed to God and God answered her prayers; God Lifted her from the state of barrenness to fruitfulness. In 1 Samuel 2:6-8 when God had already lifted Hannah from her poor state (state of childlessness,) she prayed an experiential prayer because she had given birth to Samuel; not just a Child but a prophet to the nation of Israel.
More so, we see in this passage that, Hannah spoke of what – the God – she knows, not just what she knows about God.

This infers that; the word ‘lifted’ is better experienced than taught.
God who is busy lifting men in this season shall lift you in Jesus name. Amen!

Text: 1 Samuel 2:6-8
Topic: Jehovah; the lifter of the poor.
Preacher: Adesina Abegunde.

In this message, God’s servant shared 7 things that Hannah testified to after the the Lord lifted her from barrenness to fruitfulness.

Do well to listen, download and share with your loved ones. Shalom!

Jehovah; the lifter of the Poor.