The fifth theme that Snyder tells us flows throughout the Old and New Testament when speaking of the Kingdom of God is justice for the poor. He says, "Justice for the poor is a thundering refrain throughout the Old Testament." (pg. 51)
If you spend any time reading through the Law found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, you will find that great portions are filled with concern for the poor and downtrodden. The Psalms speak of it and Isaiah as well as the other Minor Prophets cry out for justice throughout their messages.
Snyder tells us that justice for the poor is 'evidence of the kingdom.' (pg. 53)
When Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61 in Luke 4, He tells us that He has come to preach good news to the poor and He goes on to demonstrate this often in His ministry. He reaches beyond the comfortable and satisfied to those that won't be touched by most of civilization to bring healing and comfort.
Paul calls for Christians to be generous - to the point that we bring equality among God's people. If we have plenty, we don't just offer a pittance to take care of part of the needs of others, we supply the needs of others (2 Corinthians 8:13-14).
The striking distinction between having plenty while others have nothing proclaims that we are not seeking God's Kingdom on earth.
Evangelism - proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the entire world is a command that we can not ignore. But, when we refuse to care for the poor and oppressed, they will never know who He is.
Snyder says "It will not do for white middle-class Christians to evangelize only people like themselves. This violates the kingdom and is a form of violence against the poor." (pg. 58) If we aren't bringing the Kingdom of God to them ... we are withholding it from them.
Justice for the poor. This is what God's kingdom is about. This is what He calls us to do.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment