Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
The
Redeeming Christ - Justice and Compassion
Psalms 82:1-8
Vs
3.4 Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
“St.
Lawrence was a deacon in the Christian church, in the third century and was
responsible for the material goods of the Church. He was quite generous,
especially to the poor. During a time of persecution by Emperor Valerian,
Lawrence expected to be arrested, so he sought out the poor, widows, and
orphans and gave them all the money he had on hand, selling even the sacred
vessels to increase the sum. Later he was ordered to bring back “the treasures
of the Church”, so that the emperor could maintain his forces. What Lawrance
brought back were a great number of blind, lame, crippled, leprous, orphaned,
and widowed persons and he said of them, “These are the treasures of the
Church”. For this response, he was roasted to death on a gridiron”. From Pg. 28
Chapter 3 “What if Jesus had never been born” by D. James Kennedy 1994 Nelson
Publishers U.S.A.
This image spills over into our current world situation. The world that you and I live in is a world that is harsh, cold, and hard when it comes to the needs of the poor, the sick, the orphans and the widows created by war, disease and famine. There are a lot of questionable activities going on in leadership in our world right now. The headlines are full of protests and rallies and court challenges about government statements and actions that we find improper or unjust. As Christians, we respond in ways that are very different from the world that has created these desperate situations. As Christians we respond with the love of Christ, a love that is self-sacrificing and a love that is filled with compassion towards the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed. God expects His people to provide justice for the poor, uphold the rights of the poor and rescue the poor. This call is found all throughout Scriptures.
Psalm 82 gives a picture of a great meeting of all the gods of the nations and all the rulers of the world from the beginning to the end of time. Only one stands. Who may that be? You all know the answer: God stands! He gazes upon all the leaders and the believers gathered before Him and questions about responsibility and authority given to all. How well do they do? Sadly, not well. As most of them are more concerned about their own riches, might and power rather than being concerned for their people. The rulers of the world must understand that their action towards their people will be displayed before the holy and righteous God who will judge them according to their deeds.
Today we want you to focus not on yourself but on what you can do to or for someone else to show God your willingness to defend, serve and help his people. God calls us to work for justice. God calls us, accountable for what is just and right. It might not cost us our life, as it did for St. Lawrence. It might take some time, energy and effort.
This image spills over into our current world situation. The world that you and I live in is a world that is harsh, cold, and hard when it comes to the needs of the poor, the sick, the orphans and the widows created by war, disease and famine. There are a lot of questionable activities going on in leadership in our world right now. The headlines are full of protests and rallies and court challenges about government statements and actions that we find improper or unjust. As Christians, we respond in ways that are very different from the world that has created these desperate situations. As Christians we respond with the love of Christ, a love that is self-sacrificing and a love that is filled with compassion towards the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed. God expects His people to provide justice for the poor, uphold the rights of the poor and rescue the poor. This call is found all throughout Scriptures.
Psalm 82 gives a picture of a great meeting of all the gods of the nations and all the rulers of the world from the beginning to the end of time. Only one stands. Who may that be? You all know the answer: God stands! He gazes upon all the leaders and the believers gathered before Him and questions about responsibility and authority given to all. How well do they do? Sadly, not well. As most of them are more concerned about their own riches, might and power rather than being concerned for their people. The rulers of the world must understand that their action towards their people will be displayed before the holy and righteous God who will judge them according to their deeds.
Today we want you to focus not on yourself but on what you can do to or for someone else to show God your willingness to defend, serve and help his people. God calls us to work for justice. God calls us, accountable for what is just and right. It might not cost us our life, as it did for St. Lawrence. It might take some time, energy and effort.
PRAYER
Heavenly
Father, we pray for the poorest and most vulnerable. Let us not just speak of
justice, but let us act in just ways. Help us to heal those who are broken in
body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
By serving others, we serve God.
Jaisy Mathew, St. Johns MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar
Thoma Church