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
Comments
Post a Comment