My Journey in Understanding Jesus, Poverty and Economics
Jesus started his public ministry with good news to the poor, as he was reading from Isaiah's scroll. And in my journey since 2004, I have come to believe that if my gospel is not good news for the poor, then it is not the same good news that Jesus came to proclaim.
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
(Luke 4:18-19)
This post is simply a compilation of posts that I made in 2006 in regard to Understanding Poverty, Jesus and Economics.
Poverty and Politics
This entry catalogs my journey in how God freshly awakened me to the issue of poverty back in October of 2004. It tracks the different times where God really spoke to me and some of my responses.
Is Bono a Prophet?
This entry features an interview that Scott Calhoun did with one of my favorite authors Eugene Peterson about U2's Bono. Bono has been an inspiration for me in my journey on this topic. This interview gives you some reasons why.
Poverty, Obesity and the Church
This post not only talks about the obvious tragedy of the huge disparity of the rich and poor when it comes to food, but also shares three things that I personally am doing about this injustice.
A Fresh Approach to Helping a Child... Give Their Parents a Job
This is a post I wrote after visiting Brian Lehnen who is the executive director of Village Enterprise Fund. VEF has been an amazing help for Genesis and I in our start up of the Solis Foundation.
The Solis Foundation - Our Mission Story
This is the mission story that I wrote for the Solis Foundation, which sums up a lot of what has been brewing in my heart when it comes to the issue of poverty and our part in eliminating it. I would love to get your thoughts about this mission.
A Future-Shaped Mission
This post talks about how our Eschatology greatly influences our Missiology, as well as our Christology and Ecclesiology. This post explores this idea as it relates to economic issues.
Sister
This is a photo I made for photofriday of a woman who plopped down in front of me in desperation. I also share a bit about an overwhelming experience that I am still contemplating today, trying to discern what God would have me do as a result of the experience.
I need to say that I am still on the journey to understanding, and that my practice has everything to do with how much more I grow in my understanding. It was Paul who said, "knowledge puffs up, love builds up", and love often involves action and sacrifice. Something I am thinking about as we soon approach the season of lent.
JR, good to see another brother on the same journey. I am exploring, and living, the concept of gospel poverty. I am really blown away by the life of Jesus being made manifest as I live simply. Blessings in your journey as well.
Posted by: Joseph | February 10, 2007 at 02:42 PM