Beating Rain

For Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Proverbs 28:3

A poor man who oppresses the poor
is a beating rain that leaves no food.

The first line is a bit unclear. It may be as the translation reads or be translated as "a poor man and an oppressor of the poor." Either way, the primary message is the effect of oppression, whoever commits it.

We look to rain to nourish the ground and to provide water to drink. Rain is welcomed, especially in an arid country such as the Middle East, and especially to the poor who need the rain for crops and quench their thirst. All the more disheartening then that when the rain does come, it comes with such force as to actually destroy the crops. It seems cruel to receive destruction by the very element intended to bring life.

So it is with the oppressor who is in position to help, whether he be a neighbor who can provide mutual support or the person of power and wealth who could use those same resources to strengthen the needy. To turn around and use those resources to oppress is cruel.

Are we using what we possess, however great or small, for the good of our neighbor? Do we leave "food" for our neighbor when he is with us, or do we leave nothing? Apply this to the great wealth that we do have - the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ. Do we use the Word and the Gospel to produce fruit or use those very same resources to beat down with the law? Do we use the Gospel in our hearts to show grace or do we withhold it, so that our neighbor receives no food from the very people who have the Bread of Life?

What will you do with your wealth today?