Jesus stood up for the oppressed and those who were denied justice. Do we?

Friends,

I am thankful our preacher, Rick Atchley  is doing a series on Daniel and teaching us how he was a good influence on his leaders in a bad situation.

In the days of slavery in America there were people who said that the Bible assumed slavery was normal and acceptable because the Bible said so.  People have used the Bible to justify separation among nations and races.  

 Jesus was one who led His disciples to overcome racial and gender barriers.  Does the church today have a record for standing up for justice?  Is your congregation working to support the bruised people of society?  Do we work to fire up the discouraged people or do we pile on and say, “I told you so?”

Matthew 12.

¹⁵ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. ¹⁶ He warned them not to tell others about him. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
²¹     In his name the nations will put their hope.”^[b]

Jesus got away from the crowds to stay aligned with God in prayer.  He stayed on task of being a healer and helper of people.  He was determined to be a servant, not a lord.  He was filled with the Spirit and determined to proclaim justice to all nations.  Instead of being quarrelsome He was a leader for justice and hope.

One of Jesus’ followers, John Wesley taught his students, “Do all the good you can, everywhere you can for as long as you can.”  

People who follow Jesus are the pillar and support of truth in our society whether we live in America or communist China if we are followers.  We are a humble people, but not a naïve people.  We are a peaceful people, but not a cowardly people.

Frederick Douglass proclaimed for justice in these words:

”Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”

“No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.”

“One and God make a majority.”

Larry Wishard