James 2:5-7. If you will read this in the King James Version:
5 Hearken,
my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that
love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James is saying here that God chose the poor of this world; that Christian paupers possess secret riches both in their present faith and in His eternal kingdom.
In verse 6 the word "despised", in other versions "dishonored" comes from the Greek atimazo, which involves attitudes and shameful treatment. As example is when Jesus was "dishonored" by the Jewish leaders.
Then as you read on "oppress" refers to the arrogant flaunting of governmental authority over Christians, as tyrants over helpless peasants. James has Jewish officials in mind when he says they " draw you before the judgment seats (Greek- kriteria). Acts 9:2 where Saul traveled to Damascus with official letters to arrest Christians, testifies to the authority which Rome handed over to the Jews. The "judgment seat" speaks of the local court.
Going on to verse 7, not only do they despise the poor and oppress Christians, but the rich direct their assaults against the LORD Himself. "They blaspheme" (Greek- blasphemeo) or "speak evil against" that worthy name by the which ye are called.
Now, let us apply some of this to our life today. Is the name of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit being dishonored, today, in America? Around the world? Yes, ACLU fighting to remove crosses on private property because it is "offensive" to some. Whoa up! Military chaplains are not supposed to pray in the name of Jesus! Huh? Are we dishonoring God? You can answer this with a prominent and resounding YES. Sounds like we are on the long black train headed for hell doesn't it?
Then as you read on, verse 6 where Saul (later Paul) had authority from Rome to arrest the Christians. Then go before the local court. Pastors speaking out for God, the Word of God, the Bible, in England have been arrested for "hate speech." What? You have got to be kidding! A pastor in England, who took words from the Bible, talking against homosexuality, was arrested for a hate crime. Then go to court, the court of liberal judges, non-believing judges, and you can guess what your sentence is - guilty!
The rich, aka political figures, famous, etc, don't wish to waste their time with us, the middle and lower class. They pass laws that hurt us, but they are exempt from. Teacher's are penalized on their social security, EPA laws causing many workers to lose their jobs, Obama Care causing crisis in lost insurance for many (and he says "sorry"), yet they, the politicians are not subject to the laws they impose on us. Are we oppressed? The poor? YES! And do these people speak highly of God, or dishonor God? Probably dishonor God, because they wish to speak and be "politically correct."
Are we different than the ancient days of Rome? Only in advancement of our technology; the rules and regs of society still remain the same. The "haves" and the "have nots" will always be separated.
May you have a great and awesome day in the LORD. Look not down at your burden, but heavenly to the one who lightens your load. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
James is saying here that God chose the poor of this world; that Christian paupers possess secret riches both in their present faith and in His eternal kingdom.
In verse 6 the word "despised", in other versions "dishonored" comes from the Greek atimazo, which involves attitudes and shameful treatment. As example is when Jesus was "dishonored" by the Jewish leaders.
Then as you read on "oppress" refers to the arrogant flaunting of governmental authority over Christians, as tyrants over helpless peasants. James has Jewish officials in mind when he says they " draw you before the judgment seats (Greek- kriteria). Acts 9:2 where Saul traveled to Damascus with official letters to arrest Christians, testifies to the authority which Rome handed over to the Jews. The "judgment seat" speaks of the local court.
Going on to verse 7, not only do they despise the poor and oppress Christians, but the rich direct their assaults against the LORD Himself. "They blaspheme" (Greek- blasphemeo) or "speak evil against" that worthy name by the which ye are called.
Now, let us apply some of this to our life today. Is the name of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit being dishonored, today, in America? Around the world? Yes, ACLU fighting to remove crosses on private property because it is "offensive" to some. Whoa up! Military chaplains are not supposed to pray in the name of Jesus! Huh? Are we dishonoring God? You can answer this with a prominent and resounding YES. Sounds like we are on the long black train headed for hell doesn't it?
Then as you read on, verse 6 where Saul (later Paul) had authority from Rome to arrest the Christians. Then go before the local court. Pastors speaking out for God, the Word of God, the Bible, in England have been arrested for "hate speech." What? You have got to be kidding! A pastor in England, who took words from the Bible, talking against homosexuality, was arrested for a hate crime. Then go to court, the court of liberal judges, non-believing judges, and you can guess what your sentence is - guilty!
The rich, aka political figures, famous, etc, don't wish to waste their time with us, the middle and lower class. They pass laws that hurt us, but they are exempt from. Teacher's are penalized on their social security, EPA laws causing many workers to lose their jobs, Obama Care causing crisis in lost insurance for many (and he says "sorry"), yet they, the politicians are not subject to the laws they impose on us. Are we oppressed? The poor? YES! And do these people speak highly of God, or dishonor God? Probably dishonor God, because they wish to speak and be "politically correct."
Are we different than the ancient days of Rome? Only in advancement of our technology; the rules and regs of society still remain the same. The "haves" and the "have nots" will always be separated.
May you have a great and awesome day in the LORD. Look not down at your burden, but heavenly to the one who lightens your load. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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