How Rich Are We?

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1: 53

How rich are we? You might not feel like you're rich at all, but compared to many parts of the world, Americans are wealthy in every sense.  We don't have to go too far.  We only have to look at our neighbors from farther south in this side of the world, and we will find deep poverty.  In a country devastated by natural and political disasters like Haiti, some estimate the average monthly income to be around $100 (one hundred dollars a month...yes...$100 a month).  That is the average, which means, some make less.

In Panama, a country which is relatively stable and well off, the minimum salary is about $250 a month.  This means, the minimum any employer can legally pay any full-time employee is $250 a month.  Notice, in most Latin American countries, salaries are calculated by month, not by hour or year.

At any rate, what is the measure of wealth?

For Mary, a young woman most likely raised in extreme poverty, wealth meant having good things to eat.  When you have nothing...having one's basic necessities met is considered wealth.  In today's world, a world of excess and extravagance, wealth might be having your own private rocket ship to take for a spin around the earth.  But, what is Mary talking about here? Is she implying that God sends away the rich?  Can a rich person not be a child of God?

Well, Jesus addressed this dilemma in Mathew 19: 16-26.  Jesus exchange with the rich, young man who asked him what must he do to enter heaven, and later reflection with His disciples gets to the very core of what Mary is hinting at in her song.  I believe the key is in Jesus' reply to His astonished disciple's inquiry of "who then can be saved." (Matthew 19: 25)  To this most crucial question, Jesus answered,

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19: 26” 

Before uttering these words, scripture says, "Jesus looked at them."  Can you picture the scene? The puzzled disciples, staring at the Lord, expectantly awaiting His answer, and He looks at them...as if in silent reply...hoping that the mere sight of Him would reveal the response:  I AM.  I AM who makes all things possible.  I AM salvation.

Mary's contrasting comparison serves to illustrate the importance of our priorities.  I don't believe it is indicative of the damnation of the rich just because they are rich.  I think it has more to do with the fact that as we enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, we must never make riches our god.  Our heart, so easily corrupted, must be guarded as the material blessings flow, so we don't take our eyes off of the One from Whom All Blessings come, and turn to worship the blessings and forget the Giver.  Our disposition must always be one of an open hand.  The minute we start clenching our possessions in a close fist, that's the minute we forget that it is all His...and that He gives and He takes away.

I pray, as I bask in the gift of middle class America, that I never forget who My Lord is.  May Jesus, the Great I AM, keep us very near His Heart, and make the impossible possible by His Precious Sacrifice.  In Christ's Name.  Amen!