Justice Rant #1

“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor”
– Psalm 140:12

Did you know that the Bible contains more than 2000 verses concerning the poor and social justice? Even a cursory reading of books like Leviticus and John describe a God that is concerned not only about the plight of the poor, but about the crooked systems that make people poor in the first place. Something is wrong when we have the resources to feed and educate everyone on earth, yet half the worlds population remain in poverty. It is important we follow in Jesus’ footsteps by challenging those institutions today that exploit others. As, like the good Samaritan, we help our injured neighbor by the wayside, we must also consider whether the entire path to Jericho needs to be repaved in order to stop them from being mugged again.

By thinking globally and acting locally, you can make a difference right now. It may seem overwhelming, but there are many different battlefields to fight on. Pick one, and take a stand.

Locally, why not donate to a foodbank, or even better, buy a meal for someone you know needs it? Build relationships with those people in your community who are poor or marginalised.

Internationally, why not join an organisation like Oxfam or Amnesty International, giving your time and money in efforts to fight injustice around the world? Check out Oxfam’s current campaign to Ban Cluster Bombs, and sign the petition.

Be proactive, and fight that Kiwi apathy which only serves to give us a heart of stone. Rather, ask God for a heart of flesh, a heart that beats for the things that matter to Him.

Once a month I’ll be posting a justice rant in the Blueprint Church newsletter. This is the first of those rants. Thought I might as well share them with the Blogosphere.

~ by humblemonkey on February 20, 2008.