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Justice For The Poor
Brian Mashburn
October 25, 2015
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Justice For The Poor
You can't read through the Bible and then think you can follow it without prioritizing, giving to, and taking up the cause of the poor. It is one of God's biggest deals, and a non-negotiable marker of any authentic follower of His.
For example, there is an infamous city called Sodom that was destroyed by God for its sin. The popular thought is that it was because of sexual sin, but look at what Ezekiel (16:19) notes as the cause: "Now this was the sin of Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy."
Arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned for the poor? Ouch.
From the Law of Moses (Deut 17:7-11), to the life of Jesus (Lk 14:13), to the ministry of Paul (Gal 2:10), God demands what the wisdom literature presumes, "the righteous care about justice for the poor." (Pr 29:7)
Our nation's political left argues that the poor exist because of unfair systems in society. Our political right argues that it's because of damaged family values resulting in laziness. For what it's worth, I think they are both right. (See Isaiah 10:1-2 and Proverbs 10:4)
But so what?
While political parties argue about why they exist, the church is to steadfastly care that they exist; and to never stop doing SOMETHING on their behalf.
Hear this: Justice towards the poor is the inevitable result of someone who follows Jesus. If you can see a need and not meet it when you are able to, you don't have God's love in you (1 Jn 3:17) and you are no disciple. Period.
Today is an invitation to you to be the church; to find your way of caring for the poor.