Justice and the Prophets
Called to God's Work of Justice
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Repent of Injustice
Deuteronomy 24:17-22 New International Version
17 Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.18 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.
19 When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 21 When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. 22 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.
For Reflection
Some people speak against political discussion in the context of the Christian religion. But justice must be a high priority. Working or justice is not optional. As we will see in the passages from Jerimiah, God has directed the ruling entities to govern in love, compassion, and mercy. God has always called out the prevailing leaders, Kings or priests, for their selfishness and for ignoring the injustices they create with their policies and insufferable greed. The need to call out and take action to call out injustices is as necessary today as it was in old testament times.
To follow Christ is to be passionate about justice. Ignore the labels "liberation theology, or social theology." Working for a just world is simply acting on the Gospel.
Pray
Pray so that you can have the wisdom and courage to participate in the healing and restoration of communities, our nation, and the world.
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