Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

God’s Identifies with the Poor

II. God’s Identity with the Poor

The prophetic books frequently accuse the rich of oppressing the poor (Amos 8.4–6; Isa. 10.1–4; 32.6–7; Mic. 3.1–4; Jer. 5.26–29; Ezek. 18.12–13). True piety includes care for the poor and real fasting includes sharing bread with the hungry (Isa. 58.5–10). The wisdom literature contains both proclamations of God’s blessing for those who care for the helpless (Prov. 14.21, 31; 19.17; 22.9; 28.8; 31.20; Eccles. 11.1) and warnings against closing ear and hand to the need of the poor (Prov. 21.13; 28.27). God is their protector, and those who mock or oppress the poor insult their creator (Prov. 14.31; 17.5). ~ Hans Kvalbein. “Poverty.” The New Dictionary of Biblical

A. General texts as to God’s identification with the poor

1. The Sovereign God of history works to lift and bless the poor and the oppressed, Exod. 3.7-8; 6.5-7; Deut. 6.6-8.

2. God will work against the oppressor to liberate and bless those who are oppressed and destroyed on account of their burden.

a. Ps. 12.5

b. Ps. 10.12

c. Cf. Jer. 5.26-29; Ps. 10; Isa. 3.14-25; Jer. 22.13-19; Amos 5.11; 6.4; 7.11, etc.

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3. God’s identification with the poor is dramatically strong, Prov. 14.31; 19.17.

4. God demands that the covenant community demonstrate the same concern on behalf of the broken, poor, and oppressed, Exod. 22.21-24, cf., Deut. 15.13-15.

Theology . T. D. Alexander, ed. (electronic ed.). Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2001.