More and More.
In rural communities such as Rathfriland it’s common to see cattle contentedly grazing in a field. And seeing them we know something they don’t. Their constant eating is actually hastening the certainty of their destruction. These animals are blissfully unaware that they’re fattening themselves for slaughter.
It’s that same grisly metaphor that James employs to shock a particular group of people - the corrupt rich. In their greed for more and more they’d been exploiting the poor amongst them by refusing to pay their wages. In their wicked hoarding of wealth, (James says), they’re only fattening themselves for slaughter. …He addresses them at the beginning of chapter 5.
James 5:1-6 NIV [1] Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. [2] Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. [3] Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. [4] Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. [5] You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. [6] You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
In these verses James highlights an injustice that’s as old as the world itself - the greed of the rich and the oppression of the poor. But he does more than that - he allows those who live in luxury by exploiting the poor to see their end - sure and certain judgement. …That is unless they see it too and change their ways. He calls on them to repent from their endless accumulation of more: “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.” And he also allows the poor and oppressed to know that an Almighty God has heard their cry: “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.”
Surely the reading of this passage is a stark reminder to despotic rulers like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, who surround themselves in luxury while their people starve, or the corrupt chief executive raiding their employees pension to fund an extravagant lifestyle. Or even the prosperity gospel preacher conning the vulnerable out of their savings by promising a miracle. To villains like these James writes.
But it’s also a reminder to all of us - that wealth is to be used not hoarded. And it’s highest use is for God’s work. James words echo Jesus words in the Sermon on the Mount. And they were spoken to His followers. He told them:
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV [19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Christian is to live in such a way as to be continually investing in their eternal future and that effects how we live in the present. …Perhaps this passage has stirred you to think about the sin of hoarding while others go hungry. Perhaps you’ve been exercised about the level of your giving to God’s work in the world. Just the other day I received information on our church’s 2021 World Development Appeal. It seeks to help some of the most vulnerable people on earth. This short video explains more.
Prayer Lord I thank you that you’ve so graciously provided more than I need for a comfortable life. Help me to take some of that “more” and use it to help others in need. Amen.
If you would like to donate to PCI’s World Development Appeal for 2021 please click here. We’ll also be having an offering at our evening carol service in 3rd church on the 19th December.