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THE POOR IS RICH
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28
James 2:5

Proverbs 14:31

 

“He that oppresseth the poor

reproacheth his Maker…”

 

THE POOR IS RICH
 
Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and they are heirs of the Kingdom of God? James argues that discrimination against the poor is contrary to how God sees and treats them. They have unaccountable riches and immeasurable inheritance. Those who are partial towards them have not seen beyond the temporal. They should first put on a pair of spiritual spectacles to view this truth.
 
Rich in faith: When the poor are despised, it suggests people treat them shamefully (Mark 12:4). It is unbecoming for people to cast down those whom God has chosen. James underscores that it is God who chooses. Treating the poor reproachfully is to go against those whom the Lord honours. The heart toward the poor must be one of obedience to the Lord who wills it.
 
Heirs of the kingdom: The poor Christians are heirs of the kingdom. They have a promise from the Scriptures. Being heirs, they have equal privilege with any other believer. If this is what the Bible teaches, why is there discrimination against the poor? This discrimination will surely invite the wrath of God. Jesus implies this in the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:25.
 
The promise to them that love Him shows God’s faithfulness and this must cause them to love their brethren always. James 2:5 expresses the promise of the kingdom to those who love God. It is not that the guarantee depends on the believer’s love, but James reminds us that it is God who called us into the hope of eternal life. Therefore, believers must love Him. So, James is pointing to the consequence, rather than the condition. The Book of Proverbs has many lessons for us to learn regarding this issue. One is Proverbs 19:17. Dear reader, do not ever judge a man based on his financial status. Some may be poor, but they are true believers also. They are more prosperous than billionaires.
 
THOUGHT: Do I have a loving heart towards the poor?
PRAYER: Father, teach me to judge righteously and not depend on external appearances as my standard of judging.

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