Bible Discussion Thread

Historically it has been the truly poverty stricken who were more open to God for strength and consolation than even the general population. They did not have the revenues of the world to buffer them from the harsh extremities of living. There were no special protectorates for the poor except the laws of God and its faithful adherents. There were those persons in Amos chapter 2 who pretended to uphold the law (or at least to be religious), yet were themselves guilty of pouring contempt upon the rights of the poor and thus indirectly showing contempt toward God. Throughout the Bible and especially the Old Testament there are numerous blessings promised to those who ministered to the needs of the poor. It proceeds even into the New Testament and especially where Jesus proclaims, ". . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt.25:40) It would seem to follow then that it is so much better to have stood for the rights of the poor and to have sustained them than to have manipulated their lives and possessions for personal or corporate gratifications. This consideration seems especially significant in the light of the constant observation of God into the affairs of all people.