An Emerging Voice For Justice

The Old Testament prophets had a tough gig.

There were the occasions when they could reassure the people of God that they would win the battle they were about to fight. As mouthpieces for God they were primarily there to share the heart of God on the matter and that ultimately looked at getting people to get back in line with the desire God had for His people.

What made it a tough gig, however, was that they would often be given the task of speaking out against the conduct of the ruling authority of the day. Circumstances would put them in the awkward position of going against the status quo and stating that God’s call for repentance would be an irritant to those comfortable with the way things were. The thing about the prophets as well is that it’s not as though they made their objection in subtle shades of ambiguity. It was clear when they had a message to give to the king, that message was to be adhered to.

I am challenged reading about their exploits in calling God’s people to repentance. I am challenged looking at people in tune with God’s desire for a community at peace treating people fairly, looking after the interests of all and standing up for what is just and right. It’s not easy to appreciate the personal cost of such a lifestyle. Reading about it is one thing, but to consider having to experience something similar these days is a challenge.

Yet there’s no doubt that the state of ourselves, the state of our culture and community does require a voice to emerge. Not a voice politicised for the agenda of interest groups and parties. A voice that declares with clear singularity what God requires from humanity.

I sometimes wonder will that voice continue to speak out when it is put under pressure to conform. But just as heralds in time past could only declare the news they were given. So these days we are required to only declare the news that we have been given, even if it costs us.

That’s a challenge.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden