You have condemned and you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn’t resist you. James 5:6 WEB
James begins chapter five of his epistle with a series of charges against the wealthy who oppress the poor. These statements comprise a warning to the rich. Pointing to the corruption of ill gotten gains and abuse, James condemns the hoarding of wealth while others suffer. He says in James 5:4, “Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Armies. WEB” Finally, James accused them of the murder of Christ, the righteous one.
In addition, James pointed to the fact that Christ did not resist the power of the corrupt wealthy class. Instead, Jesus demonstrated submission to God and to the courts of men. In doing so, he ultimately glorified God in his resurrection. Rather than violently opposing the corruption of this world, Jesus set an example of placing faith in God to right the wrongs we face here on Earth. Jesus followed scripture recorded in Psalm 20:7 which says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. NIV”
Two Masters
Like today, the wealthy in James’ time had more influence over the political processes and courts in the land. This led many to trust in their wealth more than they trusted in God. Placing wealth as our top priority causes us to serve money rather than God. The love of money hardens hearts and causes people to discount the needs and suffering of others. Preoccupation with wealth and power blinded many to the godliness of Jesus Christ, the righteous one of God.
Even religious leaders sometimes value material wealth, fame, and status more than they value God. This violates God’s commandment to place him above all other things. It also violates God’s prohibition against idolatry. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. WEB” Likewise, the lure of political power and social dominance led the religious leaders of Israel to call for the death of the righteous one, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Write your laws in my heart. Guide me to do your will all the days of my life. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Led by the Spirit of God
