“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.” –James 5:1
Now before we look into James 5, I think we may have to do some damage control first. I can hear what some of you are saying: “Isn’t James a little harsh in his language?” It’s a fair question. But James is referring to the language that the prophets regularly used in order to call the people to repentance. In all reality, we don’t look at this type of literature nearly enough. So, let’s simply spend today reading some of these Scriptures where the prophets use similar language to call the people to repentance:
Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. –Isaiah 13:6
"In that day," declares the Sovereign LORD, "the songs in the temple will turn to wailing. Many, many bodies—flung everywhere! Silence!" –Amos 8:3
They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail upon their beds. They gather together for grain and new wine but turn away from me. –Hosea 7:14
Wail, O pine tree, for the cedar has fallen; the stately trees are ruined! Wail, oaks of Bashan; the dense forest has been cut down! –Zechariah 11:2
In the streets they cry out for wine; all joy turns to gloom, all gaiety is banished from the earth. –Isaiah 24:11
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
While I don't necessarily agree, there are some who believe James is not talking to rich Christians but to non-Christians. Neal Windham, is amongst those who feel this way, I know because he teaches it in his class on James.
Like I said, I don't agree with that, but if it is true, it explains this harshness of his words here.
Yeah, I have not made up my mind yet whether I think he is talking to believers or nonbelievers. Bill and I concluded that maybe the best conclusion is that they are at the very least believers who are acting like unbelievers. That will be one of our main points of application this week.
I don't believe it's in God's will, proven throughout the Bible, that His people are not without means. If we are to be the light of a world that revolves around currency to accomplish much of God's work, then how can we turn around and proclaim God is prophecying against the wealthy? I believe these warnings are for any person of wealth that hoards such wealth for themselves and does not use it to further the kingdom of God. Whether this person is a believer or not.
Post a Comment