James 5:1-6

I'm writing a devotional for Calvary Englewood for next week's sermon preparation. It will be posted on-line so the congregation can get primed for the sermon.

I'm putting it out here to get some feedback and to give my words some time to simmer.

James isn't preaching a cotton candy, rainbows, and unicorns sermon . This passage feels more like a punch to the face.

 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 (James 5:1-6).

I'm so glad I don't consider myself rich. But, the world won't let me off the hook and would point a giant foam finger at me that says, "Top 99%" of the world's wealth. It's crazy how much Americans make over and above the rest of the world. Do a search for "global wealth calculator" on google and enter your income. It's pretty eye-opening.

We may be rich, but there is always someone richer. We idolize the wealthy. We want the life they have. I know I have dreamed about how great life would be if I just had a little more money. The Bible says that money is the answer to all things (Ecc 10:19), but it also says the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim 6:10). So, is it good, or is it dangerous?

James warns the rich. He calls for weeping and wailing because their desperation and panic is coming. He predicts that every safety net and comfort on which the rich depend will soon dissolve right before their eyes. James also exposes their injustice and self-indulgence. The wealth that they have enjoyed has been earned from stealing from the needy. Now their wickedness has caught the attention of the Lord Almighty. Judgment will surely follow. They are fattened with ill-gotten gain for a punishment that will slaughter them. Even worse, the rich are also condemning and murdering the innocent just for kicks. The language James uses in this indictment is harsh, explicit, and gratuitous.

Remember, these are our idols. Being rich is the goal. It is who we want to be. James would caution us in our unspoken aspiration. Listen to Paul and let his words find a place in your heart and let them stick.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Phil 4:12).

Lord, convince our fickle hearts that these words are truth. AMEN.