Thursday 09 February 2017

Psalm: Psalm 103

The Methodist Church's Bible Month this year focuses on theletter of James. It takes place in June, although churches andcircuits may choose a different time if that is more convenient.For more information (including training and resources), goto www.methodist.org.uk/biblemonth.

Background

Whereas James 4:13-17 dealt with thewealthywithinthe church, today's passage turns to thewealthyoutsideof the church, and particularly to the rich whoexploit the poor. James' critique echoes that of the prophets (Isaiah5:8-10; Ezekiel 16:49-52), as well as Jesus' ownteaching (Matthew 6:19-20). For James, to exploit thepoor is to snub the creator and to open oneself up to the comingjudgement.

James' critique is not of rich people as such, but of those whostore up wealth for themselves while exploiting those who work forthem. Hence, the labourers cry out for justice against theiremployers who keep back wages (verse 4). Those James refers to wereprobably day-labourers, dependent on landowners for their paymentat the end of each day. By keeping back their wages for anothertime, the landowners cause their workers to suffer.

James' critique of storing up wealth and living in luxury alsoecho Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke12:13-21). Pursuing wealth for its own sake, and living anungenerous life, leaves one exposed to the judgement of God. Godcalls for lives of love and generosity, not exploitation and greed.The riches one hoards will be held as evidence on the day ofjudgement (verse 3), and God always hears the cries of the poor andthe exploited (verse 4).

Verse 6 speaks of the wealthy condemning and murdering the"righteous one". The "righteous one" here stands for thoseoppressed unjustly by landowners, and the murder may be ahyperbolic way of referring to the ways in which the rich exploitthe poor. Given that Jesus is described as the 'righteous one'elsewhere in Scripture (Acts3:14; 7:52), it is hard to avoid thinking of Jesus as anexample of one who suffered and yet responded with grace.

To Ponder

• In what ways do the wealthy exploit the poor today?

• Why do you think it's important for James to remind his readersof God's coming judgement?

• How might this passage challenge the Church in Britaintoday?