Gary spoke strongly to the fact that we have an opportunity to be a light for God to the people of this world. To give them a glimpse of the goodness that He intends for all of us. I think he was right on in saying that God’s plan for goodness, here on earth, is us. People to often wonder where God is in the midst of problems. When they have to wonder where God is, it means that one of us has not stepped up to show them who God is.

People like you and I, as we face injustice or oppression, absolutely need to, as you have said, “‘entrust ourselves (and others) to the One who judges justly’(1 Peter 2:23)and persistently cry out to HIM to stop the oppression.” But there are so many in this world that don’t know Him and need to see Him for who He really is. And, I am not sure we should expect them to know as you or I would know.

The kind of oppression that Gary spoke of and works with daily is nothing like anything I have ever experienced. and doesn’t have much to do with general abuse of power. It has to do with the literal stripping away of basic human rights. That is intense.

One was Luke 11:42 where He is addressing the Pharisees for professing one thing, doing another, and so abusing their authority. The other is Lk. 18:1-8 where Jesus presents the story of the unjust judge and widow who was finally granted justice because she persistently pursued it. That definitely deals with injustices propagated by the world (it says the judge didn’t ‘fear God or man’), but God was the One who ultimately delivered her:
“Then the Lord said, ‘Learn a lesson from this evil judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end, so don’t you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who plead with Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when I, the Son of Man, return, how many will I find who have faith?’” (Luke 18:6-8) NLT

That’s sure not to say that we should ignore injustices ANYWHERE, but should instead support(and participate with)those who have influence in stopping them. Yet ultimately, we must ‘entrust ourselves (and others) to the One who judges justly’(1 Peter 2:23)and persistently cry out to HIM to stop the oppression. At the same time though, we must also be aware of our own responsibility to deal justly with any under OUR authority (especially within His Body).

D- (36)

Amy, it’s awful to be in the middle of it. Sorry you’ve had to deal with that.

BuddyO, but you’d still be shoveling…So how does your back get a break

D, good tangent. I think it was still on subject with the thoughts I laid out here.

You alluded to the fact that although there is injustice in the church, the injustice Jesus speaks of is much larger or more encompassing. If that was the case, I agree.

Gary Haugen was the speaker who spoke to injustice. He is the President and CEO of the International Justice Mission. An amazing organization of lawyers who go throughout the world fighting against injustice. Things like slave trade, sex rings and child endangerment. Mostly in 3rd world countries, but not exclusively. Incredible ministry and mission.

When I listened to Gary speak, it was easy to see the difference between injustice and fairness. I think often we cry injustice, when in fact, something was just no fair. Gary sees heavy oppression and slavery and is a part of it daily, so his take on injustice comes from that angle.

Fear has a huge part in it I am sure. Both in the abusing and in the abused. That speaks volumes to injustice on both sides.

Is it safe to summarize the categories as ‘injustice’, ‘fear’, and ’surrender’?

Amy brought the idea of ‘injustice’ within the church into play, and that is reasonable to propose considering it was a church leadership conference. It does seem though that whenever the subject of justice is brought up, we too easily look at all the injustices ‘out there’(world) and then jump on a band wagon of societal involvement. As I see it though, God’s word focuses more on His people’s injustice to one another, i.e. ‘abuse of power’.

I don’t know what scripture references might have come up at the conference, but ones I see applying in that way are Ezekiel 34; Amos 5:21-28; Micah 3; Mt. 20:25-28; & 1 Peter 5:1-4.

It’s pretty easy to see the connection between ‘abuse of power’(i.e. ‘injustice’) and fear as its motive because those ‘in control’ tend to fear losing it, and the enemy’s always right there to assist us in keeping it by whatever means necessary. It’s a huge temptation for anyone entrusted with power, but it’s not God’s way as evidenced by Jesus’ words and example.

Since God clearly doesn’t approve ‘power monging’, if I were guilty of it, I’d be more afraid of HIM than people I might feel threatened by (Prov. 16:1-12 & 29:25).

That’s where ’surrender’ comes in– giving complete control to HIM, obeying HIS directives to stop taking it back, and then, if possible, righting whatever ‘injustices’ were already commited. He will clearly direct in how that can happen if we are seriously surrendered and listening, I believe.

‘Hope this made sense and wasn’t off on a totally irrelevant tangent =}.

D-

What if I continue to shovel but only into others wheel barrows?

Then my back gets a break….

Also the question “What has God called you to do that you are afraid to attempt…and when are you going to do it?” is one that I’ve asked myself a lot this past year.