Economics is a huge theme in the Christian scriptures.
When Israel is led out of Egypt Hashem seeks to introduce his people to the way in which they may live as a social structure different from the rest of the world in order that they may be a witness to the world. To teach economics he provides manna as sustenance. This gift of food came with simple commands. First, take only what is needed. Second, keep no leftovers. Later, Hashem gives the Sabbath Year and the Jubilee Year. These years consist of sharing goods, eliminating debts, resting farm land, and more. Essentially, it empowered Israel to be dependent on one another to function in love as G-d provided for them. The poor are a great focus for our Father. Our combined effort to love one another and the poor economically is also huge
Jesus speaks of Jubilee when reading from a scroll in the temple. He tells us these commands still stand. His mandate for economics is seen vividly in the prayer he teaches his disciples in Matthew 6 when he says “give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus reminds us of the ancient economic plan of G-d brought through the heavenly bread called manna. Jesus repeatedly tells his disciples to go without personal belongings, to rely on the hospitality of others and give sacrificially (like the women with only two coins). When Jesus feeds the 5,000 he reminds us that G-d provides and we must share. The list of Jesus’ economic preachings is a long one.
The economic plan of G-d for his people can be summed up in two words.
1. Trust.
2. Share.
When discussing economics in America, the words trust and share typically have a different meaning. Trust funds often give us a reason to trust our banks and ourselves rather than the one who owns all that is in the Earth. Shares usually profit the individual instead of the community. When we look at economics through the lens of a selfless king named Jesus we continually live in order to bless others and not ourselves. We know that there has never been a currency that truly belonged to man.
Matthew 6:31-33
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8
If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.
The best part of G-d's economic plan is that we know it works in blessing all persons touched by it. We see it in the 5,000 eating till they were full, the disciples catching more fish than they can haul, and through church history.
Acts 4:32, 34
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had... There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Some call it miraculous, I call it practical.
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