By Archie England, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at NOBTS
Question: Should Christians give their wealth to others who are less fortunate, especially in light of the financial needs of churches and ministry organizations these days?
Archie England responds, with Zechariah 7:14 as the scriptural basis: Zechariah and Haggai ministered to Jews returning from exile. The Persians had allowed them provisions and materials to rebuild their temple and to renew their lands. Hope exuded among the people because they anticipated renewed blessings from God. In fact, they had faithfully participated in 30-day fasts, twice a year, for 70 years. They had prayed for such renewal and restoration!
And, it had finally arrived – only Zechariah challenged them very differently from what they expected. The prophet informed Israel that God’s blessings have a purpose: helping others. Specifically, Zechariah gave that post-exilic community three guidelines to clarify (1) how to enjoy God’s blessings and (2) how to escape the same fate as their ancestors.
First, Israel must make good decisions that are full of integrity. The text literally reads, “judge true judgments.” To judge, here, necessitates making good decisions. It’s the decision-making process of arriving at a judgment. Such decisions should always be “just.”
God demands that this justice be “true,” as well. This implies integrity. God expected Israel to render good decisions based upon integrity, what’s the right thing to do. He added to this command that Israel must help one another by acting with kindness – an obligatory relationship as parties of the same covenant – and compassion.
Second, Israel must help widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. To oppress “the oppressed” was simply to leave them there, to ignore their plight. Zechariah confronted Israel’s indifference and indulgence (cp. Haggai 1, too). Delivered from the Babylonian captivity, they had focused upon themselves. Zechariah warned that this was exactly how their ancestors fell under the wrath of God. Holy they must be; but all the holy prayer and fasting of the last 70 years would never excuse them from meeting the needs of those less fortunate, whether Israelites or not!
Third, every Israelite was expected to purge wickedness from their lives: “Do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.” No follower of God can defraud others and continue to receive His blessings.
Zechariah informed Israel that a relationship with God required personal integrity (demonstrated by our choices), social justice (demonstrated by our charity toward others, regardless of their race, creed, or religion), and sanctification (choosing to abstain from evil and its schemes).
Choices DO have consequences. God does NOT bring restoration or revival so that a select few may enjoy His blessings. No, He blesses us so that through us the world may be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
Archie England Ph.D., is Director of the Baptist College Partnership and Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, occupying the J. Wash Watts Chair of Old Testament and Hebrew at NOBTS.