The Rich and Poor Are Worth the Same

Note from today’s Bible reading: Exodus 28-31

God gave Moses instructions to “take a census of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 30:12). Upon being numbered, they were each to “give a ransom for himself to the Lord” (Exodus 30:12).

It is interesting to notice what the Lord required from each person in this offering. Each person was to give “half a shekel as a contribution to the Lord” (Exodus 30:13). Furthermore, the Lord said, “The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel” (Exodus 30:15).

We may wonder why the Lord made this requirement that the rich and the poor contribute the same amount. In our society, we are used to “progressive” tax rates in the name of “fairness.” Why would the Lord not do something similar?

Notice the purpose of the contribution. It was to “make atonement for yourselves” (Exodus 30:15). The implication was that all the people, regardless of their wealth (or lack thereof), had the same value to the Lord.

This is just as true today. Each person has been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, the soul of each person is equal to everyone else. The wealthy are not more important than others. Those in poverty are not to be disregarded.

So remember that the rich and poor are worth the same. Though our status in life may be different, God values all the same and sent His Son to offer His life to make atonement for us (cf. Romans 5:6-11). Therefore, let us recognize the inherent sense of worth that we and those around us have received from our Creator.