Who Cares for the Poor and Needy?--August 9, 2019

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Lord Jesus, you cared for the poor and needy,

of whom there are many in the world today.

Those who are rich take from the poor—

it is part of the way we do business.

Take the needy by the hand and lift them up,

we ask you; do not delay; be their help

and deliverer. Or do you call on us

to get our wealth in other ways?

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

2 Sam. 12:1-14

Acts 19:21-41

Mark 9:14-29

Selected Verses

Ps. 40:17

As for me, I am poor and needy,
          but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
          do not delay, O my God.

2 Sam. 12:4

“…Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was loath to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb, and prepared that for the guest who had come to him.” [Nathan, accusing David]

Acts 19:25

[The artisans] [Demetrius] gathered together, with the workers of the same trade, and said, “Men, you know that we get our wealth from this business.  …”

Mark 9:27

But Jesus took [the boy who had the “spirit”] by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand.