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A LETTER FROM JAMES
Chapter 2 – part 1

By David Woodbury

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? (James 2:1-4 - NLT)

The sin of discrimination
James once again returns to the concept of the egalitarian church and it seems he may well be addressing a problem of discrimination that had risen. The society of the day was eminently class-conscious and the presence of servants and slaves were commonplace. However, in the early church the master sat beside the slave, and indeed it may well have been the slave leading the proceedings in which the master was a participant.

Membership in the early church was most likely among the poorer classes, and the presence of a rich person would have been noticeable and perhaps, given rise to unwarranted veneration, reflecting the class consciousness of the society that surrounded them.

James will have none of it for it is quite the opposite to the teaching in the Word of God. The Levitical law of the Old Testament required that; You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. (Leviticus 19:15 - NKJV) Peter, after a vision from God declares; I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.(Acts 10:34-35 -  NLT)

In reality, James questions the authentic faith of those who favor some people over others and makes it quite clear that he sees discrimination as judgement guided by evil motives.  Class distinction is a perennial failing of the church throughout the ages and all too often it has been those with wealth, power and influence who have divided Christian congregations. Christian leadership has, at times, not handled this issue well and class distinction it is often reinforced by ornate clerical garb and ostentatious church accoutrements.  When Christians meet in the presence of the King of kings, there can be no room for discrimination or class–consciousness.

5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name[c] you bear? (James 2:5-7 - NLT)

The poor have a special place in the heart of God
The opening verse in this section may be surprising: Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? However, the truth is that it was one of the central tenets in the message of Jesus. Quite early in his ministry, Jesus outlined his mission statement and the primary message was for the poor: The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. (Luke 4:18 - NLT) When questioned as to whether he was the promised Messiah his response once again is directed to the poor: Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen … the Good News is being preached to the poor.(Matthew 11:4-5 - NLT) And in the greatest of all sermons, the Sermon on the Mount: God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. (Luke 6:20 - NLT)

There is a truth here which we need to not only hear, but understand. God has a heart for the poor and he has determined that his priority is the message of salvation for them, for it has the capacity to transform their lives. Cynics have claimed that the message of Christianity is simply a panacea for the poor or the opium of the masses; dulling them into a sense of subjection and acceptance. Nothing could be further from the truth. When the good news of God’s salvation is authentically preached, accepted and practiced, it will change their outlook on life, their family circumstances and in most cases, their economic circumstances. It is often referred to as the redemptive lift. When the poor truly grasp the fullest meaning of the gospel message their lifestyle begins to change for the better. As one recovering alcoholic commented: I don’t know whether Jesus turned water into wine but in my home, he turned beer into furniture.

An understanding of God’s heart for the poor has been the hallmark of some of this world’s most effective reformers; e.g. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, William Booth of The Salvation Army. Through their understanding and ministry, they honoured the poor and enabled multitudes to find a better way of life.

There is more than just a casual truth in James’ comments about the rich, although we cannot see it as a blanket statement. There have been wealthy people who have been compassionate and good benefactors. However, the reality is that money and wealth can be seductive and powerful motivators, and there are many who have no ethical principles or empathy in regard to their fellow human beings.

Prayer:
Father, help us to nurture and sustain a Christian community where class, race and gender are equal, respected and valued. May we be ever aware that we serve and worship a God who shows no favouritism and to whom all humanity is family. Help us to understand that when we are in your presence there can be no room for discrimination or class–consciousness.

Father, give us a heart of compassion for those who find themselves in great material need and the stimulus for a resultant and positive action. Help us not be seduced by the wealth and materials of this world that may blind us to the needs of those with whom we share community.

Hear our prayer in Jesus name – Amen.

Contemplation video; They need Christ

https://youtu.be/5HpHXJgV05o



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