Proverbs 22:2

The rich and the poor meet together;
the LORD is  the maker of them all.

Here we have two groups of people: rich and poor. They are opposites, which often do not overlap. Sometimes it’s because of opportunities, privileges, and access or the lack of these. It’s as if these two groups of people are journeying down two different roads in opposite directions. However, here we read that the rich and poor meet together. Why would this ever happen? Why should this happen?

There are two key biblical themes that lie in back of the words “the Lord is the maker of them all.” The first is God created all people in his image and are therefore to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their station in life. The second is God shows no partiality. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Whether rich or poor, all stand equal before God, desperately in need of grace and mercy. Therefore, only the gospel has the power to bring opposites together.

How you ask? We are not saved by what we do but by what Jesus Christ has done for us. Therefore, the gospel dignifies any person who fails to meet a worldly standard of success or acclaim. However, at the same time, the gospel humbles any person who in any way looks to their own efforts or success for their confidence. The gospel of grace is the great leveler and the great uniter. “My, brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 2:1)