Christ CrucifiedSample

Poverty to Riches

2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich”. 

The exchange is clear: from poverty to riches. Jesus became poor that we in return might be rich.

When did Jesus become poor? Surely, He was not poor throughout His earthly ministry. Any man who can provide food for a crowd of 5000 men along with women and children cannot be poor!

Jesus did not have a large bank account, but He certainly had an abundance when the need arose. He may not have carried money in his purse, but he surely knew where the money was and how to get it! At no time did He lack anything.

So, when did Jesus become poor for our sake? The answer is: on the Cross.

In Deuteronomy 28:48 Moses summed up absolute poverty in four expressions: hunger, thirst, nakedness and in need of everything. Jesus experienced all this in its fullness on the cross.

• He was hungry. He had not eaten for nearly 24 hours.
• He was thirsty. One of His last utterances were, “I thirst!” (John 19:28)
• He was naked. The Roman soldiers had stripped him of all His clothing and divided it among themselves (John 19:23,24).
• He was in need of all things. He no longer owned anything. After His death, He was buried in a borrowed robe and in a borrowed tomb (Luke 23:53).

Thus, Jesus exactly and completely endured absolute poverty for our sake that we might partake of his riches! 

Declare:

• You are Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. - Genesis 22:14. 
• You are El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough for me. You give me everything I need to fulfil my destiny. - Genesis 17
• Jesus, You became poor, that through Your poverty I might be rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9
• I meditate on Your Word day and night, and whatever I do prospers. - Psalm 1:3 
• I break all curses of poverty, lack, debt and failure in the name of Jesus. 
• I am Gods servant, and He takes pleasure in my prosperity. - Psalm 35:27
• The Lord shall increase me more and more, me and my children. - Psalm 115:14
• Bless me indeed and enlarge my territory. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from evil. - 2 Chronicle 4:10
• Open the floodgates of heaven over my life, and I receive more than I have room enough to receive. - Malachi 3:10
• I will not lack for You are my shepherd, and I will not want. Psalm 23:1 

Pray:

• Pray for God’s blessings for your work. Pray His favour will rest on you and your family. Pray for new doors to open for you in this year of Overflow. 
• Spend time praying for any financial needs in your home and church as the Lord leads. God is your Father and is delighted when you ask Him to meet your needs.