Released 28 June 2012
A day and night cry for Justice
“Shout out, do not hold
back.”
Isaiah 58:1
This is no time to speak softly. The risks
are too high.
Isaiah 58:1 (paraphrased)
Reflection
But what is it we will shout out?
Will there be consistency between our shouting and our actions?
What needs to be shouted out?
Justice is a central theme in the Bible; it is evident in the very character
of God. It is reflected throughout God’s laws, heard in the Words of the
prophets and lived out in the life of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
We must be a voice for justice. An advocate. A justice that begins with my
personal life choices, that engages the world as the child of a just God.
“When we limit the attention we give to Jesus as a justice
advocate for people who are poor, vulnerable, and excluded, we are at risk of
dwarfing Jesus’ mission mandate in our own time.” [When Justice is
the Measure]
When we limit our own actions as a justice advocate for people who are poor,
vulnerable, and excluded, we limit the mission of The Salvation Army. We need
to find our voice, suit our actions to the Jesus mandate, and be a people for
justice.
Prayer
‘Lord, we come to you
again, thanking you for the modern prophets (musicians, politicians, religious
leaders, benefactors) who have raised their voices on behalf of the poor. They
are your advocates─ your voices. In the midst of their appeals, we want
to cry out that “charity” is not poor people’s greatest need.
The needs of the poor are the same as the privileged: good government, access
to education, healthcare and social services, spiritual wellbeing, employment,
a reliable judiciary, peace within their borders and choices that can lead to
sustainability. God, equip us to engage in acts of compassion that result in
sustainable justice. Amen.’ [When Justice is the Measure]
Prayer
‘Gracious God, in these
times, may the world not grow tired of feeding the hungry, treating the sick
and tutoring the illiterate. May those with resources design social programs
that focus on cures instead of symptoms only. May those with political power
implement strategic policies that alleviate the consequences of poverty while
also eliminating its causes. The challenge is great. The progress is sporadic.
The timelines are long. God help us. Amen.’ [When Justice is the
Measure]
Prayer
Add your specific prayer, asking for a voice and
actions for justice.
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is
looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just
to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take
yourself too seriously─ take God seriously. Attention! God calls out to
the city! If you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen. So
listen, all of you! This is serious business.
Micah 6:8 (The Message)
Prayer
‘Lord, you have used
The Salvation Army as your voice, as your hands─ please give us a heart
and a hope for justice that translates into every Salvationist, Adherent, and
friend fully alive to a knowledge of personal forgiveness and mercy that
translates into a hunger to serve and to seek justice for all your
children.’
Quotes:
When Justice is the Measure: Macmillan, Read, and Posterski, June
2012.
*The latest ISJC book.