Wealth, Acquisitions, and God

Although our class is centered on the New Testament news about wealth and poverty, we are working to situate the conversation in the context and historicity of the Old Testament, so we can better know from where Jesus is coming, among other things. One aspect of Scripture that I love the most is the fact that it contradicts itself. I mean, has anyone read the book of Ecclesiastes in the last ten years...hello! What is that about?

I digress. Taking a quick survey of major books in the OT lets us know that clearly the Hebrew people were working through this issue called wealth themselves. On one hand, your blessedness is measured in the abundance of land and possessions (cf. Solomon's works and Proverbs--not prosperity theologians); while on the other, cursed are those who hang their hopes on material goods for their calamity awaits, so say Isaiah, Ezekiel, Micah, and Amos. It is a difficult task to not read the OT through the lens of Jesus. So ignoring for the moment any Christocentric stuff, what in the world does this all mean?

For one, I think it means that wealth can serve specific functions. It is the symbol of our affection (idolatry), it is a goal for which we are willing to malign others (injustice), yet it is a tool for service (worship), and it is the payment for hard work (reward). Let us be aware, however, that in recognizing the beauty of Scripture's contradictions, we are then required to also consider all points of view in Scripture. To highlight one view of the OT's view on wealth paints an incomplete picture. 

For example, "Ah, you...who write oppressive statutes to turn aside the need from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be your spoil, and that you may make the orphans your prey! What will you do on the day of punishment, in the calamity that will come from far away? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?" (Isa. 10:1-3)

Yet later, in third Isa. we see the prophet with a vision of glory for Jerusalem. "For in my wrath I struck you down, but in my favor I have had mercy on you...so that nations shall bring you their wealth, with their kings led in procession. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish...Instead of bronze I will bring gold, instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze; instead of stones, iron." (Isa. 60:10b-12a, 17).  

What a contrast! I glean from this that whether we have wealth and abundant possessions or not, one thing is certain, we better not be hoarding them or acquiring them through evil, neglatory means. Also, I have to believe that those who do not have monetary wealth, are no less blessed or loved by God, perhaps I would argue that they are more blessed. (cf. the Beatitudes.) Forgive me for going back to Jesus, but Jesus' heart, which represents the Father's heart, is with the outcasts and marginalized.

Let us open our tight fists, soften our hard hearts, realize our abundance, and experience the blessing of paying forward God's blessing.