OPPRESSIONS AND THE COMFORTER.
By T. E. Bowen
The Lord at one time gave Solomon a view of some of the oppression wrought in the earth to the lowly ones, and his heart was stirred. This was before the Friend of the race had come to live with us to manifest divine comfort by His personal presence as the Son of Man. The wise man writes: “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun; and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.” There are still oppressors in the earth oppressing those less fortunate than themselves. And, strange to say, earthly power still is on the side of those doing the oppressing. Wealth too often rises in pride and entails suffering upon the poor. The slave master's lash may not be plied, but there are other ways in which stinging blows of oppression may be administered, causing suffering perhaps equally intense. The human race is one great brotherhood. Man upon the face of the whole earth is made of one blood. One race is no better in His sight than another. God loves the humble, honest, daily toiler, who rises early and with the strong, sturdy arm of toil provides the comforts and necessities of life for his loved ones as much as the king occupying the throne. The rich man gains no favor with his God simply because he lays claim to wealth. Neither does God love the rich man any the less because to him is entrusted the responsibilities of earthly treasure. The Bible simply passes by all this vain show, this foolish caste, and holds men responsible for the talents bestowed upon them. It may be the talent of wealth, it may be the talent of learning, it may be the talent of strength and health. Whatever it is, its use will be required of the possessor by the Giver. It will be a fearful account the rich man will have to settle with his God, if, instead of using the means entrusted to him to relieve suffering, bringing joy and gladness into the homes and hearts of those about him in need, he selfishly withholds these blessings, or in any manner uses these designed blessings to bring oppression upon his fellows. The tears of the oppressed are all counted. The prayers and cries are faithfully recorded in books safely preserved in the heavenly courts, and one day these books will be opened. The Comforter has now come. Jesus Christ took His stand visibly beside the oppressed. He might have come a rich and honored member of the family, but, instead, took the lowly place of the laborer, who earns his daily bread. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, tho He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” Yes, the oppressed now have a Comforter. And, what is still more comforting, on the side where the Lord stands there is power. It may not so appear just now, but, in fact, the power is there. It is not simply a little power, but it is all the power of both heaven and earth. Ponder the record in Eph. 1:18-22 of the greatness of the power of this Friend of the friendless, the Comforter of the oppressed. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know; . . . what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead,6and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all.” With such a Friend and Comforter at your side, whatever may be the nature of your trouble, dear soul, you may safely rest your case in the hands of Him beside you. Whatever you do, do not take the case out of His hands. Far better be the oppressed and believe, than be the oppressor with seeming power, honor, and ease at your command. Let Christ plead your cause. Patiently wait for Him. “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” He knows how to execute judgment. The Judge of all the earth will do right. He will know how to deal with all the oppressors, rich or poor, high or low. But God is the friend of the widow, the fatherless, the motherless, and he that touches such touches the apple of His eye.