2 Corinthians 8:1-15

The Apostle Paul uses example of Jesus, the story of the manna and the generosity of poor Christians in Macedonia to encourage the Christians in Corinth to participate in an offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem.   What is Paul’s hope? What is Paul’s goal?

Paul also seems to anticipate a common sentiment in verse 13 that argues, “If I give my resources away, then I won’t have enough for myself.” What fears and mindsets are expressed in that statement? What answer would you give to the person who expresses their concern about not having enough? How might we move collectively toward a fair distribution of resources so that everyone would have their needs met?

In the past, workers produced and workers consumed which created a self-sustaining circle of benefits.  We are now living in an economy where workers are no longer required for production.  So, according to Robert Reich, we need a new economic model for the new reality.  Check out his most recent blog post at www.robertreich.org

Exodus 16:1-21

God’s instructions were clear. Everyone was to gather 1 omer of the manna per person per day. Yet some insisted on collecting more. What motivates people to hoard or collect as much as they can? Today, we see unprecedented income inequality. Some have more than they can ever spend while others barely survive. What do you think God would say to those who have more than they need? (see James 5:1-3 for a suggestion.)

Jeremiah 22:1-5, 11-17

In Jeremiah 22:1-5, we see God’s “if-then’ promises. What kind of lifestyle results in blessing? Compare Shallum to his father, Josiah. What kind of lifestyle did each pursue? What kind of mindset do you think led Shallum to “make his neighbors work for nothing?” God (through Jeremiah) asks, “is not this to know me?”. How have you defined knowing God? How does this passage challenge or augment your definition?

God accuses Shallum of wage theft. In February 2015, Cook County (IL) Commissioners passed one of the strongest wage theft laws in the country. What do you imagine God is saying about passage of the law? Read more about the law HERE.

Humans need not apply.  These are the workers of the future–and the present.  Amazon has acquired Kiva Robotics and has replaced thousands of human employees with robots.  Watch the (very near) future.  And count the number of humans you see in the YouTube video.   What do you think will happen as more and more companies move to robotic employees?

Hear more about the future of work at our WJ Symposium on Saturday, March 28, at the Logan Square Library, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave., starting at 1:00 pm.

1 Samuel 8:4-22

When you read Samuel’s warnings, what impression do you get of kings? The phrase, “he will take”, is repeated again and again. What do you think motivates the kings actions? How will the people’s lives be impacted in this dynamic? Given the impact, why do you think the people continue to pursue these political and economic arrangements?

The history of Israel and Judah attests that having a King like all the nations around them was a mixed bag. A few of them were good and led the nation toward justice; but many more were destructive. Even Solomon, often considered the pinnacle of the Israelite monarchy, used slave labor and forced labor for many of his building projects.

What parallels do you see between the Samuel’s warning and our current political and economic arrangements? How does the profit motive or the power motive impact the ‘average Joe’ in our economic system?

Governor Cuomo, you try living on minimum wage!  The New York Times has an editorial opinion about the governor’s minimum wage proposals.  It’s not exactly a thumbs up.

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

At the celebration of First Fruits, the people are to bring a basket filled with the abundance of their new home. Part of the ritual is remembering the story of their slavery in Egypt, God’s acts of liberation and the provision of abundance in the land of promise.   This is the story of a victory in the struggle for worker justice. What other stories of victory in the struggle for worker justice have you heard in your lifetime? What struggles for justice are still being fought? How does the story the Hebrews told at First Fruits encourage you in the midst of today’s battle for worker justice?

There is no devotional for Sunday, March 15. However, you’re welcome to read Psalm 136—a song that tells the story of God’s faithful love expressed through creation and liberation—as an act of worship.

Exodus 6:1-13

Things aren’t going so well for Moses. Morale is low and the stakes are high. Pharaoh never listened and now the Hebrews have stopped listening (note the difference between their first response to Moses in Ex. 4:29-31 and now). Why do you think the Hebrews’ attitude has changed? Has Moses changed? Has God changed? What keeps you fighting for justice and righteousness when there is no hard evidence that anything will change? How is God’s “mighty hand” a source of encouragement to you?

Exodus 5:6-23

Pharaoh’s response to Moses’ attempt to organize is to increase the workload without reducing output quotas. What do you think Pharaoh is trying to accomplish with this tactic? What are some of the results? How does Pharaoh’s tactics impact Moses’ ability to organize? Threats and intimidation are often tools used to oppress workers. Have you ever experienced this? How did you feel? What are some other tactics that are used to threaten workers?

Have you ever thought that low-wage workers were simply lazy?  If so, where do you think that attitude came from?  Are people really lazy or are our productivity expectations unrealistic?