Among the prophets' repeated complaints against Israel/Judah was their oppression of the poor. Woe to those who make unjust laws . . . to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed (Isaiah 10:1,2). On your clothes is found the lifeblood of the innocent poor (Jeremiah 2:34). They oppress the poor and needy (Ezekiel 22:29). You trample on the poor (NIV 1984, Amos 5:11).
A proverb that really puts things in perspective is 19:17 - Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and they will reward them for what they have done. What a strange thought - to loan something to God. Surely we need not fear God defaulting on his obligations.
And less we dismiss this as an Old Testament technicality that doesn't really apply in a world top-heavy with governmental social programs: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).
In reading the prophets we could almost get the idea we are innocent as long as we have not intentionally oppressed the poor. In reading the whole of Scripture, however, it becomes plain that it is not enough to not hurt others; we must actively work for their benefit, to advocate for our brothers and sisters.
This is true whether the you addressed is an individual, a church, or a nation.
What can you do this week to be a friend to the poor?
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