Thought for the Day Unlike the rich, the poor are vulnerable, having no means of protecting themselves; therefore, those who exploit them are detestable in the eyes of God. No person is less important to God than another. God loves the poor and instructs His followers to help them. Psalm 41:1-3 records special promises that God makes to those who consider and help the poor: Blessed is he that considered the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Here God says He will bless them and deliver them in their time of trouble. He will preserve them and keep them alive. Then, to top it off, He promises to heal them when they languish on a sick bed. What wonderful promises for simply helping others! Helping the poor does not mean helping the lazy. The Bible clearly teaches that those who do not work should not eat. Lazy busybodies and those who engage in disorderly conduct need instruction on changing their ways, not material help. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). However, to neglect those who are truly needy and helpless, is sin. Ungodly societies that destroy their weak and burdensome members are eventually destroyed. The last part of verse 22 warns against using the law to oppress the poor. Our present-day judicial system has drifted away from its original intent to convict lawbreakers and protect the innocent. Swift punishment of the guilty has been abandoned. Court appeals and delays stretch into costly trials lasting for years at public expense. Criminals are often not even sentenced. Many lawyers misuse the law for personal gain, obtaining settlements for clients in amounts far above rightful compensation, as well as people who want to use the legal system beyond what would be a fair settlement. Outlandish court rulings, so lucrative for lawyers, have a domino effect on the American economy. Doctors, professionals, companies, etc., must insure themselves heavily against lawsuits. Higher insurance rates result for everyone, increasing costs for medical services and everything else. If justice is to be seen in America again, we must return to Biblical principles and shape our laws by them. The Lord requires justice for all people, rich and poor. We should pray for godly judges in our courts, and vote for men of character who will make good judges. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God (2 Samuel 23:3).
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 19:37:42 +0000
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