“If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.
The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.” Eccl.5:8-9
History shows that people in power too often abuse, mistreat, or ignore others. Unfortunately, money is a discerner of persons. Those with money tend to have power and the danger is discrimination against those who do not.
Jesus was discriminated against because He was only the son of a carpenter and not of the more privileged class. Jesus was oppressed and abused by the powerful leaders of His day who tried to kill Him because of the threat of His teaching and the increase of His followers, but Jesus was the ultimate victor by rising again from the dead. He promised to come again to take with Him all those who believe in Him. Are you ready for His second coming? If He were to come today, do you have confidence that you will be taken with Him? You can have that assurance you know.
From these verses we also see that wealth has been the means for discrimination. Justice was and is for the wealthy. The poor cannot afford a competent lawyer. Influence happens when people have money.
In the musical drama, Fiddler on the Roof, the main character, Tevye asks God to make him a rich man. He dreams of what it would be like to follow the ways of a rich man. He would get respect, and be a man of influence. People would come to him and ask his opinions on all matters.
Wealth discriminates when it comes to justice. It discriminates when it comes to elections. It discriminates when it comes to pleasures. The Bible tells us to be people who speak up for the rights of the oppressed and to stand in seeking justice for the poor. We are given resources by God to assist the needy, to feed, to clothe, to help, to provide health service, assist in emergencies, and to carry out the works of Jesus Christ.
Prov 19:17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward him for what he has done." God has a heart for the oppressed and the poor. He wants His people to as well. He will reward us for kindnesses done in His name. Prov. 22:22,23 "Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them."
Beware of your wealth. Be careful of your attitudes toward those who do not have money,
Application: If God gives you blessings and not another, what should your attitude be? If He gives you material gifts in order to serve Him, how should that change your opinions regarding wealth?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see all that I have as a gift from You to be used to bless others.
