Read James 2:5-7
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? (James 2:5-7)
It is difficult to expound this passage knowing that the majority of those who read these Lenten Meditations are in the upper or middle income bracket. Christians in rural villages in Africa (to mention just one continent) would say a loud Amen to the description of the rich given by James!
Jesus Christ said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:23). Jesus was not condemning wealth but was simply stating that to enter the kingdom of heaven one has to see one’s great need. This is easier for the poor than the rich, who may be tempted to rely on their wealth for their security.
James goes on to say how the rich (and we trust he is not referring to wealthy Christians!) insult the poor Christians through exploitation and persecution thus “slandering the name of him to whom you belong”. v.7.
Exploitation of the poor exists in Malaysia today. Tenaganita reports: “In Teluk Intan, 55 men were housed in a wooden two-storey house – the size of an ordinary terraced house – in the outskirts of the town. There were no chairs and the team conducted the interview on the cement floor. There were two toilets – which doubled up as shower facilities. There was running water and electricity but no fridge. Upstairs, in the living quarters, the men slept in corridors and in rooms. There were no cupboards or lockers for the men to keep their belongings.”
To bring exploitation nearer home, what is the condition of the domestic workers? For some (in Christian homes?), when they are responsible for looking after young children or the elderly who need special care, they may be expected to be on duty 24 hours a day and 6 or even 7 days a week. Surely this insults both the poor and also their Creator.
Help us, O Lord, to be faithful stewards of the many gifts which You bestowed on us.
This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
