Will poverty ever be completely eliminated?
No. Scripture teaches that the poor will always be present; poverty will not be completely eliminated in this age. Jesus said, 'You have the poor always with you.' They have been part of human experience from day one and will remain until the Lord comes and sets everything straight.
Les explains that in the account at Bethany, the disciples were indignant that the precious ointment could have been sold and given to the poor. But Jesus defended the woman, saying she had done a good work and that they would always have the poor with them. Les emphasizes that although he personally has a heart for the poor—even being moved by a young mother paying in a grocery line—the Word of God says poverty will never be obliterated. The poor have been part of human experience from day one and will remain until the Lord returns and sets everything straight. Jesus stated plainly, 'You will always have the poor, but you will not always have Me.'
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.