Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Two

Last week I discussed some of the secular aspects of the poor and the causes, conversely, this week let’s talk about the Bible’s definition and causation. In both Testaments the poor are described as people or families who are oppressed to a low position, in want and need, weak, and hopeless. It’s no wonder Jesus, being from a poor family, with no permanent residence, could easily identify with the poor of His day. Also, as I read and pondered the Scriptures I realized God doesn’t seem to care about how they became poor; He just wants them cared for by His representatives. 

God loves justice (Ps. 72:1-4, 12-14, 82:1-4, 8), He LOVES it! When we treat people fairly, defend and rescue them, crush their oppression, it’s God’s answer to their cries for help. That means that justice is doing something, being actively involved in helping the vulnerable and the voiceless: the poor, needy, husbandless, fatherless, elderly, homeless, and the immigrant … yes, the immigrant. Well, they’re here illegally, increasing crime, crowding our schools, don’t pay taxes, and more; all that may be true, but God doesn’t care about the ‘how’, he cares about ‘what’. Now that they’re here, what are you doing to show them Jesus? 

Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the immigrant, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3 

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. Psalm 103:6

… but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24

Pretty convincing, right? Maybe you have an argument all ready, they don’t deserve it, they’ve made their choices and bad decisions, they should suffer the consequences … any of those sound familiar? I’ve said some of them too, however, when I read God’s Word conviction simmers in my heart, I pray for Him to work through me, in my small sphere of influence, to do the right thing (righteousness) and actively help those in need where I can. 

Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:20 

Begin small, seek out ways to do justice and right some wrongs for the hungry, the naked, the homeless, and the poor by being ‘Jesus with skin on’. He delights in that kind of heart.