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 dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? [James 2:5-6 NIV]
James does not pull any punches. He utters a very strong condemnation to these early Christians - he tells them that they have dishonoured the poor. Richard Bauckham provides some helpful insight into the situation among these Jewish believers. The majority of them were neither rich or poor. Bauckham suggests that most of those who would read this letter or hear it being read were certainly not rich by the standards of the first century but they would likely have a relatively secure means of supporting themselves and providing food, clothing and shelter for themselves. When James speaks of the poor, he is speaking of a class of people who would not be able to support themselves. They had no regular income on which they could rely to feed and clothe themselves and so they were at the mercy of others. Bauckham also talks about what he calls patronage. This existed throughout history in many parts of the world. The church of Scotland at one time depended on wealthy landowners for patronage but their financial support came at a price - they expected to be able to appoint ministers who were acceptable to them. And it would appear that there was a similar situation in the middle eastern countries where these dispersed Christians were now living. It was usual to try to win over a rich person in the hope that he would support the early church financially and materially - this is known as patronage. But James refers to these rich people in very unflattering terms. He is scathing about the price they are demanding for their patronage. These rich people are using their status to exploit the early Christians and drag them into the civil courts. And yet, there is a tendency to look up to them and to flatter their egos and give them more attention than they merit - perhaps to win their financial backing.
James points out that by ignoring the poor and favouring the rich they are reversing the principles on which God's kingdom is built. God chose the poor not the rich to inherit the kingdom. So God's kingdom is based on principles and values which are diametrically opposed to the world's. The world values people for their possessions and their wealth but faith is the currency in God's kingdom. Poor people, who are more dependent on the Lord and less trusting in themselves, are 'rich in faith'. In the ancient world, it was considered shameful and a disgrace to be poor. It was considered honourable to be rich. (There is a remarkable similarity with Victorian Britain). So God's community or kingdom displays a set of standards and values which are in conflict with those of the world. This contrast is highlighted in the Book of Proverbs where two aphorisms follow in succession. The first proverb is from the perspective of the world:
The poor are shunned even by their neighbours, but the rich have many friends. [Proverbs 14:20 NIV]. [There was a brief study of this verse in a recent Day Share entitled 'Poverty' and dated 05/07/2022]
The next verse provides God's perspective on social justice.
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbour, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy. [Proverbs 14:21 NIV]
God's standards are introduced negatively - mistreatment of a poor neighbour is sinning against God and positively - being kind to one's neighbour is approved by God and bring His blessings.
But James is not only influenced by Jewish wisdom teaching: he is also influenced by the teachings of Jesus. Here is the first of the beatitudes
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5:3 NIV]
Luke majors on social injustice and so he does not use the term 'poor in spirit' but simply talks about the poor.
Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [Luke 6:20 NIV]
In summary, how were the first century Jewish Christians dishonouring the poor. Firstly, they were not taking their cue from the teachings of Jesus who emphasised the important role played by the poor in the kingdom of heaven. This does not mean that it is necessary to be poor in order to be a Christian but it does mean that the absence of wealth is an ideal preparation for the kingdom of heaven. Poverty produces dependence on God and so the poor in their humility and faith are examples to us all. Conversely, wealth and materialism is an obstacle to being part of Christ's kingdom (See Matthew 19:16-24; Mark 10:17-24; Luke 18:18-25). They were despising the poor who were valued and honoured in the eyes of God.
Secondly, they were dishonouring the poor by their prejudice in favour of the rich even though it was the rich who were taking them to court. What was happening in this situation was contrary to the teaching of the Old Testament law.
Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly. [Leviticus 19:15 NIV]
What was happening to in the early Christian church was contrary to this principle of fairness and justice. Justice was being perverted because of social status and wealth. Poor people were unable to defend themselves against their wealthy oppressors. It was not a level playing field: the advantage was always on the side of those with the money to bribe judges or to pay for favours. We do not know the details of the court cases and how the early Christians were being persecuted and oppressed but it is clear that there is a social dimension to the oppression. It was the rich who were using their wealth and influence to oppress the poor. And yet, in the meetings of the church, the rich were being given special treatment at the expense of the poor. The scholars are divided as to whether the rich were themselves believers. My comment is that they are certainly not behaving like those who have been born again.
Are we dishonouring the poor? Are we simply ignoring them? My recollections of growing up in the 1950s is that most Christians came from what we describe as 'council houses' in Scotland. In the three gospel halls in the Ayrshire town in which I grew up there were very few Christians who owned their houses. There were very few cars parked near the church. Many people walked to church. Their homes were very basic with few luxuries. I lived beside people who were poor and needy - my family was slightly better off because my mother was a good manager of the one income coming into the family home. None of the family were smokers and alcohol was strictly forbidden. But there was not a huge gulf between our lifestyle and that of our neighbours in terms of material wealth. I have witnessed churches becoming more affluent and more middle class in attitude. We have created a gulf between us and our poor neighbours who live in a completely different part of town. A cultural divide has been created and the churches are almost oblivious to the desperate situation in which many of our townspeople are living.
Karren's photo of Falkirk Sheriff Court. I know that this is a criminal court and the court described in the verses from James Chapter 1 refer to justice in a civil court. However, I suggested to Karren that she photographed this building to represent justice which is the subject of today's Day Share. Thanks again, Karren.
Comentários