He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor. (Psalm 72:4)
For ages, people have raised the question of why God allows people to suffer. Why does He allow some nations and entire regions to live in extreme poverty? Why does God allow injustice to run rampant in this world? It is my view that the answer is one that many don’t want to hear because, in most of these situations, it wasn’t God who imposed these conditions on mankind — we brought it upon ourselves. We made choices that suited our selfish desires, and then had the arrogance to become disillusioned and angry with God when we were subjected to the consequences. Such is mankind. That being said, it is true that God does allow situations and circumstances to touch our lives that result in suffering, which can include injustice, oppression and poverty.
It is obvious that God has not ordained that everyone is to be wealthy in temporal means. Throughout the Scripture, He acknowledges that some are rich and some are poor. Even the Messiah said that, “You have the poor with you always” (Matthew 26:11). On the other hand, He also said, “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). Furthermore, He came to “preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted and proclaim liberty to the captives, to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).
God has a heart for the poor and has always made this evident in the Scripture. This is particularly true in regard to those who are victims of situations over which they have no control which, in turn, is why we are encouraged to remember them and to help those less fortunate that we are. But that scenario brings us back to the original question — why does God allow this? Let’s consider: if everyone were economically equal — a goal today’s social justice warriors strive to achieve — where would the opportunity for kindness and charity exist? In other words, if everything in this fallen world were as we’d prefer it to be, that is perfect, what would be the provocation to demonstrate a will and desire to pursue righteousness?
It is clear that, only when Messiah comes, will this world realize the perfection God intended. Yet I would argue that it remains our duty to bring true justice to the poor as best we know how as God gives us the light and the might to do so. The needy — the widow, the orphan and the oppressed — are a challenge to us to look beyond our own needs and be compassionate to our brother’s plight; we are our brother’s keeper. As God permits, we are to break the bonds that hold our neighbor captive. In short, we must be about our Father’s business in anticipation of that great day when Messiah will restore all things to their intended purpose. Until then, He has presented us with conditions that call unto us to respond and be His representatives to those who are impoverished, not just in temporal means, but in spirit as well. May we fulfill His purpose with willing hearts.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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