The Call of God's Kingdom

This week I offer you 6 scriptures on which to meditate.  Take them in.  Listen deeply to what the Spirit says to you through these verses.  Sit with one a day, which will get you to Saturday.

Monday - Job 5:11 - The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

Tuesday - Job 29:14 - I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.

Wednesday - Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Thursday - Matthew 12:18 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations."

Friday -  Matthew 19:13-14 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Saturday - Colossians 3:12-14, 17 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity...And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We are heirs of God's kingdom.  Scripture describes it as a place ruled by our God who is righteous and just.  While God is still living and active in our world, we are God's agents of justice and righteousness, love and peace, on the earth.  If we do not speak for the lowly, for the oppressed, seek out the lost, bear one another's burdens and protect the vulnerable, who will? 

Friends, there are terrible things that go on in our world, terrible things that go on in our neighborhoods, even our homes.  One of those things is domestic violence.  Whether the abuse is heaped on a child, woman, man, girlfriend, boyfriend, employee, friend, grandparent or a stranger, no form of abuse is justified or right in God's eyes.  I know we don't want to think about such things happening, but they do.  Ignoring them won't make them go away.  Do you think God would be pleased with us if we ignore the injustices in the relationships around us? 

I want to encourage you to take 2-3 hours out of your day this Saturday to attend the Extending the VISION, Reaching every VICTIM event at Hope.  Come learn with us from experts about the abuse, who the victims and who the perpetrators are, what the warning signs are, and most of all, what individuals, families and church communities can do to stop these injustices.

The event starts at 10am, with our main program and speakers from 10:30-12.  Agency booths and other resources will be available till 1pm.  Thanks for listening to God's word, and if you can, for joining us in some important learning on Saturday.

With love,

Pastor Corrie