Sunday: Justice Will Be Done!
Chapter 5 of James begins with a bang: Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
(James 5:1, NKJV). No doubt, that would have gotten his readers’ attention.
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
In James 1:10-11, he reminded the rich of the impermanence of wealth. Here, in chapter 5 , he urges those who stubbornly hold on to it to weep and howl.
It is as if their impending judgment is even now being poured out. The vivid description continues throughout our passage for this week, bringing to mind the divine retribution for the wicked excess that characterizes the period just prior to Christ’s return (see Luke 17:27-29; 2 Tim. 3:1-2; Rev. 18:3, Rev. 18:7). A similar attitude permeates God’s last-day church (Rev. 3:17). Interestingly, the Greek word translated as miseries
in James 5:1 comes from the same root used to describe Laodicea as wretched
in Revelation 3:17.
There is so much injustice in the world, especially economic injustice. Sometimes it is so hard to understand why some people get rich exploiting the poor and, worse, why they seem to get away with it! Read Psalm 73:3-19. What hope is found in these verses regarding this perennial problem?
Throughout the books of the Old Testament prophets, we find a concern for justice and the promise that God will act to set things right. But this persistent and settled sense of hope did not seem to make the uncomfortable and perplexing period of waiting for God’s intervention any easier. For instance, writing at a time of widespread apostasy among God’s people, when Babylon, swelling with pride, celebrated its power and prosperity, the prophet Habakkuk peppered God with pointed questions (see Hab. 1:2-4, Hab. 1:13-14). God’s short answer was to trust in Him and wait a little longer (Hab. 2:2-4). And the prophet did just that (see Hab. 3:17-18).
What injustices cause you to simmer and burn inside with anger and outrage? (And there is so much more going on that you don’t even know about!) Though, of course, we should do what we can to alleviate injustice, how can we learn to rest in the promise that, somehow, when it’s all over, God’s justice will be done?
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Some of the many injustices I see in my society today include; Poverty, Starvation, Health disparities, Children/Women/Elderly abuse, Racism, Tribalism and Wars. Thankfully (with all praise to Jesus), I do not simmer, burn inside with anger nor do I outrage because, I know who owns the future. Soon and very soon, those living in extravagance at the expense of the poor, are going to be exchanging positions and it will be well with those who trust in the LORD.
What was my first reaction to this lesson? I'm not rich so this warning is not for me, I am more in the class of the labourers.
I may not be rich in terms of money but there are others who have even less than I do. However I am rich because I have family who love me and even more I have a Father in heaven who loves me unconditional.
The principle behind these texts is one person being unjust to another, so for me I need to examine my life to see how I treat others, what should I do if I see someone else being treated unfairly, how do I react when I am being treated unfairly? I will report back on this focus on my life this week.
This is a report back on injustices: Monday morning at work our group boss walked into our office and started moaning at me for not doing something I didn't even know that I was supposed to do. He proceeded to instruct me to send him information that the bigger boss had told me not to do. He also unfavourable and unfairly compared my work to another person in the group's work. I calmly tried to explain why there were difference but I don't think he understood.
What could I do? Apply to a higher power. I applied to the bigger boss through an intermediary to find out if I should send the information, he said no. I wrote to my direct supervisor to explain the differences and the reasons why my work was different to the other person, he said don't worry. Having found out what information I was allowed. I sent it to the group boss. Although the situation has been so to speak resolved I don't think the group boss is happy with me because I went over his head, so I will have to watch my step.
What can I learn from this situation? 1)It was good that I didn't confront the accuser, rather calmly, by God's grace, used the avenues available to resolve the unfair accusations. 2) even though he was in the wrong he will still have a grudge against me
In this world we will endure injustices, we can try to resolve them to the best we can, we should not lower ourselves to their level to get even, we can trust the LORD that he will hold all to be accountable for their injustices.
Neither Jesus nor the apostles nor the martyrs through history have been treated fairly, but this world is not our home, we are just passing through, we must keep our minds focussed on the our ultimate goal to live with the LORD in a perfect world forever.
My apologies, I misjudged the group boss, on Tuesday morning he came in and told me my tyre was flat and he organized for it to be fixed. So I was being unjust to him in assuming he would have a grudge against me!
I also feel that destroying our environment is unjust because the human being is/was entrusted to take a good care of it but what we can see these days is the massive destruction of the nature. In many churches we see people offering themselves to feed the needy but I don't see many offering themselves to take care of the natural species. There's also an injustice with the way we do with the ten commandments, we choose to observe the sabbath but not other commandments. It has even come to the point that some churches have realized that and its the talk of the day whenever they see any adventist member. I am pleading with my fellow adventists to do justice in everything they do in their daily living we should remember that we are Israel of today and Canaan is just near us. Thanks _____Malawi
Emmanuel,
Some of us do act as good stewards of the natural world. I agree with you that we Adventists seem to overlook the rest of God's creatures. My land is a certified wildlife habitat, so in addition to helping my fellow man, I also believe in conservation of nature.
We should remember that God spoke through the prophets He is jealous of the land (Joel for instance).
We know we are suppose to be caretakers but have forgotten this instruction given in the garden. The earth was given to us to make fruitful, not to destroy.
Take heart that some of us feel strongly in conservation & study the old ways such as edible & medicinal plants & animal husbandry. After all, if we take care of the animals, who knows, someday they may feed us in return, like the ravens fed Elijah.
After reading through Saturday and Sunday, I have been meant to believe that the lesson is generic when its referring to the rich people and also includes the process involved for people to be rich, for poor people it focuses on how they strive to make ends meet. Our societies are grouped in different strata according to their social status, education or income. There is a danger to think only that the rich man is at the centre of this discussion. On our life´s journey, in a human´s endeavor to make ends meet more especially in developing countries where we do not have social safety net, life is so precarious and people ending up doing injustice to another person. Environmental degradation is as a result of poor government policies for instance in many if not all African countries, electricity is expensive and only elites are able to manage it, the poor people resort to using bio fuel in there desperation to subsist. On the other had, environmental degradation is caused by developmental aggression. Because of precarious living conditions, injustice happen at every strata of society. The good news is that we have Jesus christ who is just, we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. When we seek him whole heartedly is the solution to all the challenges being experienced by humanity. Due to consequences of sin we may not really see life to be fair but our ultimate focus should be life eternal. Therefore, let us not be swirled by the wants of the world because "we are the salt of the world but if salt lose its savour its of no good use" Matthew 5:13. As salt is a preservative, we must preserve the truth of God so that will treat everyone justly. As salt is a seasoning, let every christian be thirty for God’s way of life. The most frustrating part of christian walk is that we all know what to do but we often fail to act according.
It's interesting how this lesson was written long before the current racial debacle that is. now going on in Ferguson and in all of the US. This lesson assures me that the racisim and bigotry and injustice that people of color experience here in the united stated and the world, will be judged by a righteous God who is no respecter of class, skin color or wealth. It is he that will right the wrongs done , He truly is our only salvation,
Brother Guilderoy, those were my thoughts exactly. How interesting and timely. "Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgement shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Blessed assurance, what I needed right now. I am the mother, daughter, and sister of men of color, and have found myself simply pleading for justice when I talk to my Heavenly Father lately. There's so much injustice in this world right now, that those in the know, know what's surely to come in the not too distant future. Thank You, Heavenly Father for Your Promises and Assurances and Your Faithfulness.
It is very easy to share words of encouragement on how we should look at the injustices, that surround us. However, when one is in the fire of trials...the TEST is to trust in OUR FATHER. These words cannot fully express the stress of the situation. Especially when the ordeal is not changed or removed. So here we may have to deal with the situation until death do us part or until JESUS COMES...Here's where the FAITH must be our hinging point. Things are not going to get better in this world....BUT WE HAVE THIS PROMISE...."Let not your hearts be troubled, ye believe in God believe also in me ....in my father's house are many mansions.....I go to prepare a place for you....I will come again to receive you unto myself, that where I am there will you be also" PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD!
Are we not required to inform the rich directly that their accumulation of vast wealth at the expense of the poor will lead severe punishment? Would that not cause us to side with workers who go on strike ? Wouldn't that also mean that we would oppose Free Trade agreements that benefit the corporatoons but impoverish workers?
Is it possible that the workers' unions can be just as selfish in their demands as their employers?
While Jesus walked on this earth, there were plenty of societal injustices He could have addressed, but He did not. He focused on individual responsibility and individual hearts.
I believe that when our hearts are transformed by the Holy Spirit, just actions will follow.
Very well said my sister!
I disagree.How do you read Matthew 23:23 .What did Jesus mean in Luke 4:16.It seems to me that some insist that Jesus was focused only on individual responsibility and hearts but this seems to contradict His asking for food to feed the thousands who had come out to hear Him. Consider Job who sought out the less fortunate.
Are you suggesting that if Jesus was alive during apartheid or during the period of rampant lynching in USA He would have kept silent.
I think what Inge said is basically true. Jesus never addressed the issue of slavery that was rampant in Israel at that time nor did he address women's rights that in many cases were not much better than it is today in many countries. Christ's focus seems to me to have been on general human relationships and especially relationship to God as stated in the two overarching commandments (Matt 22:37-40). His focus essentially was on the great controversy because if that wasn't settled then nothing else would have mattered - we all would have perished in our sins in the end.
As far as feeding the multitude goes that was a multifaceted miracle. We can get some idea of its purpose by what Jesus told the multitude, "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him" (Jn. 6:26-27 NKJV see also Matt 6:25-34). The same can be said of any other miracle involving physical human need, there was always a spiritual side to it.
Am I saying that Jesus didn't care about human suffering? Not at all, it is just that Jesus prioritized His ministry and the great controversy was the priority. While He did that He also took care of human needs along the way by healing the sick and lifting spiritual and psychological loads, however, those things were done with the additional purpose of directing people to the real issue of eternal life.
Tyler, is there a reason that Jesus didn't address slavery or women's rights? The Jewish nation were slaves to Egypt and Rome for hundreds of years and "women's rights" were what we would classify as 2nd class citizenry today. Jesus's mission was to save souls not be involved in politics. The Pharisees were the political establishment that He had to deal with. We have no idea how Jesus would react to what some see as injustices today.
Yes, God is faithful and will somehow when it's all over bring justice on the whole universe.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
All of you have been wronged at one time or another. Most of you, probably, have been wronged seriously by someone who has never apologized or done anything sufficient to make it right.
And one of the deep hindrances to your letting that hurt and bitterness go is the conviction — the justified conviction — that justice should be done, that the fabric of the universe will unravel if people can just get away with horrible wrongs and deceive everyone.
That is one of the hindrances to forgiveness and letting grudges go. It’s not the only one. We have our own sin to deal with. But it is a real one.
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.
(James 5:1 - NIV)
To me riches and richness are relative.One may be rich in all kinds of things, material and non material possessions.How about land,cars,clothes, and foodstuffs,cash in banks and share capital,houses,talents,power and influence etc.The thing that motivates one to amass an excess of all these items and not share or misuse is what finally results in an injustice to someone else who is in need.In our christian walk we should of necessity examine our immediate environment and exercise mercy towards those in need.As noted earlier,being rich is relative and one should not be lulled into believing that the "rich" in society only are being addressed by James.Let each and everyone examine their circumstances and deal correctly with our neighbours at any point in time.
This topic has been lingering in my mind since last sabbath 22nd Nov... The preacher said no rich man will inherit God's kingdom coz Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.
This brings me to my question. God says ask and he will give abundantly, he will expand your territory. I felt the preacher was wrong by discouraging riches and preaching 'stay poor'. God has given us talents and capabilities for us to use. If I use my talent and gain my possession justly and be rich, use it to help the poor live a better life, have my self a good home, good school for my kids and all the necessary things in life, what wrong have done? Have I broken any law? Is being rich wrong or is it using your richness to oppress and boast that is wrong?? Coz I understand the verses to mean the latter not the former.
The Bible doesn't indicate that there is anything wrong with being rich. Abraham was rich in the context of his society. God actually promised material prosperity to the Israelites on condition of faithfulness to Him. God gave Solomon great riches. But, unlike Abraham, Solomon began to trust in his riches and position, rather than in God, and this wrong focus became his downfall.
As long as the rich recognize that their riches actually belong to the Giver of all and they are only stewards of the wealth of the Lord, they can be a powerful influence for good. But James announces dire warnings to those who gained their wealth by oppressing the poor as well as any who trust in their riches.
There's another aspect to this: Jesus admonished us to "Seek first the Kingdom of God" (Matt 6:33) and all our material necessities would be "added unto us." Thus making the acquisition of wealth a primary goal in life would be contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
May I paraphrase part of your comment above...."God has given us talents and capabilities for us to use. If I use God given talent and gain access to God's possessions and be become blessed and use the blessings to help the poor live a better life, have them live in a good home, good school for their kids and give them all the necessary things in life, what wrong have done?...
"No you will not have done any wrong.In fact you will have done very well,caring for the needs of others as much as you care for yourself.I think the key to this dilemma is the motivation for which we seek to be rich. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
The story of the rich fool in Luke 12 is instructive.He planned to get a bigger barn for the possessions God had given him and possibly better living conditions for his family etc but was unaware that his days on earth were already numbered.The parable concludes that it is more profitable to be rich towards God.
It is worth remembering that financial wealth is only one aspect of wealth. Many of us have invested in the bank of social capital. We accumulate social standing, influence, and control. We often overlook this wealth because it is difficult to quantify. However in terms of how we interact with others it is quite possibly more important.
The Laodicean church was warned about believing they were rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing. I think that particular warning was about the notion of being richly endowed with spiritual knowledge and understanding. Maybe we need to reflect a little how we use our religious "superiority" when we relate to those spiritually "less fortunate than us".
So very true.
The short answer is; yes the pastor erred in making a blanket statement like that, if he didnt add a disclaimer such as: "if they put the riches before God"
the key is to love as Christ did. And NO there is nothing wrong with wanting to be rich or being rich the bible does not teach this; just KNOW from whence your prosperity comes