All the hype surrounding the Live8 concerts around the world begs the question: Can poverty in Africa, or anywhere in the world, really be made history?

In theory, poverty could be eradicated from the earth. There’s certainly no lack of resources in this earth to supply everyone’s needs. But WILL poverty ever be eradicated? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The Word of God says in Deuteronomy 15.11: “For the poor will never cease from the land.”

So, according to God, poverty will always exist, even though His will for people is that they live an abundant life. Poverty could cease, but it never will. Why?

Because real poverty is inside people. They will only change on the outside when they change on the inside. Poverty is not a problem of Africa only — we have poverty right here in the United Kingdom, and indeed everywhere in the world. I have been to more than 15 African countries, and what I have seen there I have seen in England and in other so-called ‘rich’ countries, to varying degrees.

We may pour money into Africa, cancel all Thirld World debt, enforce fair trade laws… The poor will still be there. Why? Because the sad reality is that people don’t want to listen to God.

“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land.”
(Isaiah 1.19)

Sorry, Bob Geldof. It’s Christ The Rock — not rock music — that people need to listen to. He has been lifting the poor out of the dust for 2,000 years. The trouble is, not everyone is prepared to listen to that Rock.