Exodus 23:1-3; 6-9
Injustice. Dictionary.com defines the word as “violation of the rights of others; unjust or unfair action or treatment.” We are in the midst of the continuing struggles over the cries of injustice surrounding us today. The debates are ongoing about immigration, abortion, civil rights and personal rights. These are being approached as if injustice is something new. However, if you study the issue, you find that injustice has been around for a very long time. Why? Because it is an outpouring of man’s sinful nature.
Consider the book of Genesis where we find injustice as far back as Cain and Abel. We see the conflict between Sarah and Hagar carries images of injustice. What about the life of Joseph? Did he suffer injustice? Repeatedly we can find images of injustice in the scriptures. In Proverbs 6:16-19, the writer lists six things that God detests. These six things all can be related to some form of injustice. How does God view injustice? How does He want those of us who claim a relationship with Him to deal with this issue?
Many in our world today are treated unfairly or unjustly. Billy Graham has said, “Racism and injustice and violence sweep our world, bringing a tragic harvest of heartache and death.”
In addition, we are familiar with the oft-quoted adage from Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
This Sunday’s lesson hits both Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, and the remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King, a great advocate for Civil Rights once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Inaction speaks louder than any spoken words.
Our lesson this day shows us that God wants us to take action, to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Seek God and discover how He wants you to be involved in ministering to those facing injustice in this world – and thus ministering to Him.