Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Tues 7th July – James 5:4-6
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Tues 7th July – Read James 5:4-6
V4:Now he speaks of the exploitation of the poor and vulnerable by the rich landowners for whom they labour – a frequent theme of OT prophets, who cry out against this evil in Israel. (See Ezekiel 22:29; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5) In many ways James’ Jewish heritage, and ministry to Jewish Christians illuminates things in this letter. Both OT and NT declare that God is mindful of those so exploited, and will vindicate them, and judge their persecutors.
V5: He speaks of lives that value only earthly things and self-indulgence. Surely, we best see such verses as a warning to us all not to get too comfortable with the things of this world and not to put our trust in them. “A day of slaughter” is probably not literal, but speaks of the vulnerability of those who are exploited by the rich and powerful. Yet God knows!
V6: The victims are called “righteous” – Biblically that can only be made right with God through faith in Christ, so James is seen to be concerned with the oppression and exploitation of believers. Are the rich oppressors, then, those outside the church who persecute Christians,
to whom he writes to encourage them that God knows? Remember Matthew 5:11 -12.