Social Security
January 21, 2001
Dear Friends:
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The law provided federal assistance to the poor, disabled and elderly. Even today in the United States, this has become the primary way in which we care for the poor and elderly. It is still a highly volatile issue as it was in the 2000 presidential election. Few think of the phrase “lock box” anymore without association to the question of social security.
Back in Biblical days, “social security” was dictated by God’s commands. You were not allowed to charge interest on a loan to the poor (Ex. 22:25). During the harvest of the Sabbath year, the produce was left entirely for the poor. During a normal year, the corners of the field and that produce which was initially passed over in the harvesting were left for the poor (Ex. 23:11; Lev. 19:10; 23:22). There was also the law of the redeemer where the nearest relative would relieve his poor relative of financial burdens (Lev. 25:25-55). There was also the important aspect of charity for the deprived (Deut. 15:9-11).
We read over and over again about the consternation of women in the Old Testament over the fact that they were barren. Although there were other implications in being barren, one of the main issues is that the male child was responsible for the welfare of his mother. A widow without a son was one of the worst positions to be in during these times. On account of this, we see special emphasis in the Bible on taking care of widows.
As Jesus was apt to do, he takes the subject of “social security” to a higher level. Jesus tells his disciples “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21) He goes on to say “”For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?” (v.25) Security is in seeking the Kingdom of God. Making deposits in bank of faith is of greater importance than the amassing of worldly wealth. Apart from Christ, there is no “social security.”
In his comments to the believers in Laodicea, Jesus tells them “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” In other words, Jesus quantifies the security of “wealth” in spiritual terms. The rich are those who are rich in faith. The poor are those who do not believe or follow the Gospel.
In these last days, we should all keep in mind the only hope for mankind; that is the everlasting security of the “hope of Israel.”
Have a great week!
