Supplies for the Needy

"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." (Revelation 3: 17, 18 - KJV)

Every lost and condemned sinner is spiritually bankrupt, and needy beyond measure. He is spiritually poor and needy. His condition is described in the above words of Jesus.

He is poor, needy, and bankrupt. He has no spiritual wealth, no treasures in heaven. He may have earthly possessions but he has no heavenly ones.

His confession of his "richness" was not in regard to heavenly things, for he qualified the area of his assets, they being earthly "goods."

The self view of the sinner, especially among the rich, is one of supreme independence and "self-reliance." He thinks of his present carnal situation rather than his spiritual eternal situation.

The sinner's neediness, in the above words of Jesus, included poverty of spirit in regard to eternal heavenly possessions, and poor raiment for the depraved spirit, and ill spiritual health, including blindness and hardness of heart.

They saw themselves as "rich," but they were really poor. They saw themselves finely attired, but they were actually clothed in rags, or "naked." They saw themselves as possessing superior wisdom and vision, but they were blind and ignorant instead. They saw themselves as having no needs when they were bankrupt. They thought themselves happy and secure, when they were actually "miserable" and in serious danger.

All men are "needy," and poor, naked, blind, and bankrupt, yet all men do not realize it. Some see their true condition in the mirror of the law and word of God, while others do not.

Jesus thus spoke of sinners who have "need of the physician" (Mark 2: 17 - KJV), a physician for the soul and for the disease of sin and the plague of death. But, most sinners do not see their need of a spiritual physician and so do not see any use for Christ, the physician of souls. Yet, all sinners have "need of healing" (Luke 9: 11 - KJV) for they are all dying from their spiritually sick condition.

In needing to be made well spiritually, and to be healed of the disease of sin, and to be enriched with grace and salvation, sinners need the gift of repentance. Only those who think they are well, when they are not, say that they have "no need of repentance" nor any need of a "physician." (Luke 15: 7 - KJV)

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)

This is a promise that holds true for every sickened sinner who takes his case to Christ. His every "need" will be "supplied." His need of being healed, and cleansed, and enriched can be met only in Christ. One of the names of God is "Jehovah-jireh" which means "God will provide (or 'supply')."

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 16 KJV)

What a blessed promise and privilege! To be able to approach God's throne with boldness and strong confidence, and without fear! To know that we can go there and find a bountiful supply for every need, both now and forever.

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10: 36 - KJV)

Not only do we have need of patience (or perseverence), but also of every other Christian grace. We all need wisdom and understanding. We all need spiritual insight into the reality of things, especially knowing that sin has blinded men to their understanding of God and spiritual things. We all need grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, and help from God.

"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy." (Psalm 72: 12, 13 KJV)

"Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy." (Psalm 86: 1 KJV)

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people." (Psalm 113: 7,8 KJV)

"For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall." (Isaiah 25: 4 KJV)

"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them." (Isaiah 41: 17 KJV)

Friend, salvation is is in confessing and acknowledging your spiritually needy condition, and your poverty of spirit, and your bankrupt condition before his holy law. If you cannot see your evil state and condition, then ask the Lord to open your eyes that you might see clearly. Call upon him to show you the place of true riches, peace, and everlasting joy. He is ready, willing, and able to "supply all your needs" if you but petition him. He is a God who supplies every need. Will you look to him in faith today?