"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" James 2:5
James is talking to believers here, and he calls them "brethren." A poor (not having much money or material things) is often looked down on in certain churches. Yet he may be the richest person spiritually in the church!
The Word of God says a great deal about the poor. God has made it very clear from Genesis to Revelation that He has a concern and consideration for the poor. As long as men ( and women) are natural, who are not born-again Christians, the poor will never get a fair deal in this world. Their only hope is in Jesus Christ.
Listen to the Word of God: "But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty" (Job 5:15). And in Job 36:15 we read, "He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression." Psalm 9:18 says, "For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever." Again in the Psalms we read, "Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor" (68:10). "For the Lord heareth the poor . . ." (Psalm 69:33). "For he shall deliver he 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). Then in Psalm 102:17 we read, "He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer."
There is Scripture after Scripture that speaks of the poor and of God's concern for them. In Psalm 45 we read of the One who is coming who will reign on this earth in righteousness, and in Isaiah 11 we read, "But with righteousness shall he judge the poor . . ." (11:14). God has a great deal to say about the mistreatment of the poor on this earth by the rich and by those who are in power. Someday they will have to answer to Him for it. But the poor can be rich in spiritual things, and that is the important thing for the poor man to see.
"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." The law condemns discriminating between the rich and the poor. Someone may say, "Well, I didn't commit a murder." You haven't? Well, you may want to listen to what James says: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Something to think about Christians.
May God bless you with a wonderful day.
Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |
