Daily Manna

Key Verse

“Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth” (James 5:4).

TEXT — James 5:1-11

Message

One of the fastest ways to get rich is what is now called “Yahoo plus” in parts of Africa and elsewhere. Some youths, who want to get rich quick, get involved in fraudulent activities. They go to the extent of making money rituals. Their adult counterparts go into politics, not to better the lives of the ordinary citizens, but to get rich quick through corrupt practices. They end up hurting themselves more by hurting others.

Many rich people make their wealth through fraud and oppression. They refuse to pay their employees the income legitimately earned. They use their connections to condemn and kill the just and allow criminals and murderers to escape. The oppressed are urged to endure persecution and not resort to self-help in their search for justice. They are told to consider the patience of Job and see how he was comforted at last. They are enjoined to wait for the soon return of Christ, who shall put an end to all sorrows, suffering and oppression.

The problem of corruption is very serious because it accounts for the poverty and underdevelopment of many nations. The rich become richer while the poor become poorer. The corrupt people who are at the centre of this are well connected. They can escape or delay justice by bribing judges who then grant them immunity from prosecution.

However, no matter how long, the long arm of divine justice will eventually catch up with those who short-circuit themselves to wealth and success by way of fraud. Even if justice does not eventually come here on earth, payday will come at the coming judgment executed by the great Judge Himself.

Thought for the day

Judgment may be delayed, but it will never be avoided.

• Bible
• in one year
• EZEKIEL 1 – 2