The “twelve
tribes scattered abroad” were directed by James, “the
servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ” not to give
preferential treatment to “rich men” while neglecting and
putting down the “poor”. If they did, they would have
forgotten how “God has chosen the poor of this world rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that
love him”. In chapter two and verse six of his letter, James
shared how “rich men” oppress his readers where we read:
But you
have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you,
and draw
you before the judgment seats?
The
verse begins, “But you have despised the poor.” James
began with the word, “But”
which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be
written takes precedence over what was just stated, “you
have despised” or
“dishonored,insulted and treated with contempt” “the
poor” who were “those
reduced to beggary, begging and asking alms who are destitute of
wealth, influence, position and honor”. Those who diminished the
value of the “poor”
were among James' readers.
The
verse goes on to say, “Do not rich men oppress you, and
draw you before the judgment seats?” James
continued, “Do not rich men” which
refers to “those who are wealthy, abounding in material resources
which are abundantly supplied” “oppress you”
or “exercise harsh control over one and to use one's power against
one”, “and draw you”
which means “drag, lead and impel by inward power” “before”
or “towards, to and among” “the judgment seats”
which means “the instrument, rule, place or means of trying or
judging anything”. James had them consider how the “rich
men” “harshly control”
them and “drag” them to “courts” for “judgment”.
When
we think through these words of James, we see how he had his readers
to consider the manner in which “rich people” controlled
them. Rather than “exalt” the “poor” as James
previously exhorted, they were catering to the “rich” who
were “oppressive” and judicious toward them. Jesus Christ desires
for us to be fair with everyone whether they have means or not. If we
think about it, those who are “wealthy” sometimes torment and
persecute those who are “poor”. May we never be this way
and choose rather to value everyone the way our Heavenly Father does.
Next
time James shares how “the
rich” “blaspheme” “the worthy name by which” Jame's
readers were “called”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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