“Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (ESV)
When was the last time something unjust or even simply deeply inconvenient happened that prompted you to think, “I’ve got to do something about this”? Did you follow through on that thought? How did that go? Read the rest…
This week we begin a brand new series called Stand Up: How to Fight Injustice. For the next six weeks and with the story of Esther as our guide, we are going to look at how as followers of Jesus we can stand effectively against injustice in the world around us. Sometimes we’ll be called to do that in big, bold ways, but more often than not, our best chances will be small and seemingly insignificant. But, if we don’t make them, injustice is given that much more space to flourish, so make them we must. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for how to do it.
Be Ready to Stand
Have you ever heard the word “serendipity” before? I’m sure you have. Better question: Do you know what it means? You might know it was the title of a romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. That doesn’t really answer the question, though. Serendipity is a word used to describe a random, but fortunate turn of circumstances. In other words, serendipity is when something good happens to you totally unexpectedly. The idea is that the universe has contrived to bless you in some kind of a way without your realizing it. Now, this is not a concept that connects with the Christian worldview at all. As followers of Jesus, we believe that God is the giver of all good gifts, not some impersonal entity such as “the universe.” But, many people don’t have a category for something like this happening because they don’t have the proper worldview framework and so they simply call it serendipity. Read the rest…
“But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
We very naturally yearn for justice. We want things to be set right when they are wrong. The simplest reason for this is that we were created in the image of a God who is just. Read the rest…
“Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink. . .Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (ESV – Read the chapter)
Do you want to live like a king? Who doesn’t? And yet, what exactly does it mean to live like a king? Most cultures certainly have an answer to that question. It means getting to be wealthy. It mean getting to have whatever–or whomever–you want. It means getting to do whatever you want. It means getting to go to neat places and meet amazing people. It means getting to live like…well…a king. Read the rest…
“O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (ESV – Read the book)
This will be a longer comment, but it’s going to cover the whole book. Habakkuk is one of my favorite books in the Bible (and not just because it’s really fun to say!). It is definitely my favorite among the minor prophets. I am drawn to it because it asks a question that people still ask today, and offers an answer that while not immediately satisfying (in fact, initially, it is deeply unsatisfying), after some reflection leads us into a greater peace and faith than we had before. Read the rest…
The Nexus 