12/10/2019
In this the time of Advent when we wait expectantly for the coming of Christ, we also are in the final days of the financial year for many businesses. In faith we praise God for the birth of His Son, but as workers, and businessmen we are determining the financial success of our store, farm, or business. On the one hand is great joy and anticipation, but on the other is a temptation to increase our earnings, possibly by nefarious means... in the one hand we hold the Lamb of God, but with the other we often stroke the head of our selfishness, and greed.
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”
James 5:4 ESV
I was getting a haircut a couple of days ago, and as most barbers do, the young woman who was clipping my hair was making small talk. With Christmas just around the corner I asked her if she was excited, and ready for Christmas morning. Suddenly she became quiet, and then sadly said “Not so much this year.” So I softly asked her why not.
As it turns out she and her husband had been living hand to mouth, and for the last several weeks her husband’s boss had not been paying him... so he was forced to ask for his wages, but instead of receiving them... he was immediately fired from his job.
At a time when we are celebrating God’s great grace, mercy, and goodness, this employer had shown no fairness, or civility, to his employee. In a season in which mankind had received its greatest gift, this employer had held back the meager wages earned by this man. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story; it occurs often, and not just during the Christmas season. But know this... the Lord hears the cries of those who have been wronged, and will hold them against their abusers.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."”
Romans 12:19 ESV
Interestingly enough, my barber and her husband were not seeking vengeance against her husband’s ex-boss... they were more concerned with how they would pay their immediate debts, and in keeping a roof over their heads. They were leaving vengeance to the Lord as they struggled to scratch out a humble living. In cases such as this God will most certainly deal with the transgressors, but at the same time He also hears the prayers of those who are suffering, and provides for them.
With the coming of Jesus, God provided for mankind’s sin; a sin brought on by a serpent’s lie... a lie that did not go unpunished, and the harm done to man by this lie did not go without notice either. Man’s prayers for mercy were heard, and God’s Love was realized in the birth, innocent sacrifice, and resurrection of His only begotten Son.
“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
So who are we this Christmas season? Are we my barber’s husband whose wages were stolen, the employer who wrongfully withheld them, someone who saw need and did nothing, or perhaps someone who looks a lot like the Christ Child, and to whose heart God has spoken and said... “Help these my children”?
“give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."”
Luke 6:38 ESV
When Jesus spoke these words did you think he was speaking of Himself... to others... or was He speaking to you, and me?
“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
1 John 3:17-18 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your love and mercy, that brought Jesus into the world. Thank you Lord for the life of your Son that taught us personal sacrifice, and how to give to those in need. Help us to see the gifts of the Magi, and understand that they were much more than gifts for the Christ, the King of the Jews, and more than symbols we would recognize today as being for our Lord, but also representative of our own giving to the needy, and less fortunate. Teach us Father to honor our word, treat others as we would have them treat us, and give as you have given. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who has given to us in love, and great abundance. Praised be your name for hearing our prayers, and providing for our needs. Great are you who fights our battles, and avenges the suffering we receive at the hands of others. Awesome is your might, and without end your patience for us your children. All glory is yours Gracious Father, and it is made complete through your grace which flows from Jesus. Hear our songs of worship, and revel in the praise we shout out for all to hear... “ Our God is Great, and Forever Good! Praise Him now, and forevermore!”
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.”
Proverbs 14:31 ESV
Rich Forbes