In the Old Testament, we are introduced to different types of offerings. Some were flexible in their demands, like the purification of a woman after childbirth. The requirements consisted of a lamb, a young pigeon, or a turtledove. Provision was made for the person to be purified if she was poor. “‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’ ”” (Leviticus 12:8 NKJV). There was a particular offering, however, that the same standard was required of everybody, regardless of their financial or social standing. This was in respect of ransom offering. “Everyone included among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the LORD. The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when you give an offering to the LORD, to make atonement for yourselves.” (Exodus 30:14-15 NKJV). By demanding the same thing of all people for atonement, God passed an important message to Israel that all souls are equal before Him.
“The leaders of the congregation relegated the “have-nots” to the back while they gave the chief place to the rich. James condemned such partiality…both they and their leaders must avoid looking down on those with frugal means.”
The foregoing is to explain the text for our meditation today. The text is a pointer to an error among the believing Jews in the Diaspora. Their worship system was skewed in favour of the wealthy and mighty. The leaders of the congregation relegated the “have-nots” to the back while they gave the chief place to the rich. James condemned such partiality. The rich were not redeemed by a higher sacrifice than the poor. The same Blood of Jesus is applicable to all. The rich who use their wealth for the betterment of people and the advancement of God’s work should be acknowledged for their good work; and God will definitely reward them for their stewardship. However, both they and their leaders must avoid looking down on those with frugal means.
