Nougat 18

Some people, despite their affiliation, are evil. What is worse, is that many of us condone it with our silence. As Christians, what is God’s expectation of us? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

““Is not this the fast I choose: to release the bonds of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to tear off every yoke?” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:6‬ ‭TLV‬‬

They were overlooking obvious misdeeds, yet vocal about other ‘lesser’ crimes. God wanted Justice, with. Capital ‘J’. And in case they weren’t fully clued in on what that meant, God cited a few examples:

– release bonds of wickedness

We are not expected to sit and do nothing about injustice. Whether the perpetrators are family members, close friends or an unknown person; our approach ought to be similar. One of the reasons #MeToo became popular is that it returned voice to the victimized.

Many argue that the Church needs its own #MeToo movement and maybe we do. There is of course #ThursdaysinBlack, which affords the space to not only say #MeToo, but to engage in practical exercises that prevent rape, sexual abuse or violence.

God calls us to also address every form of discrimination and abuse – be they racial, socioeconomic, or otherwise. Yesterday, a friend asked whether the mainline Church pays living wages to ministers; or do we continue to ask a lot, while paying a pittance. That is also wickedness.

– undo heavy burdens

And, in many of the aforementioned cited, it is not uncommon for the victims to become burdened by the trauma influence cited or by attempting to rise above living from hand to mouth.

The Word reminds us to bear each other’s burdens, which also includes us asking and/or intervening. Yes, there’s truly a time for everything; including inaction I am sure; but when inaction perpetuates injustice – something has to give

– set oppressed free

Need I say I’m drawn immediately to acts of human trafficking; which continues, seemingly unabated, despite what many would think Covid-19 restricted. In some cases, Covid provided a cover to exploit migrant workers, legal and illegal. As God’s called, it’s part of God’s expectation of us.

Of course there are other forms of oppression and again God expects us to denounce the act and offer solutions. For example, in the Justice system, in some developing countries, cases often stretch on for years with no verdict which denies Justice for everyone. Are we calling for reforms? How do we use our influence to God’s glory?

– tear every yoke

Isn’t it ironic that there is a running joke that a bar (pub) offers greater acceptance and support for the broken than does the church. For many suffering addictions, our recourse varies between two extremes: condemnatory or enabling. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus reminds us that we are called to be agents of transformation and not vilification.

How might we accompany persons with addictions to having the yokes broken? Is that our calling? Might we, in Jesus name, collaborate with agencies to provide scope for change. For sure, some just naturally fell into substance use and abuse; but many cases of addictions, including social activities/taboos, started with other deeper issues. When the root yoke is left unaddressed; addictive issues can gain a foothold. Do we dare to offer people genuine kindness, rooted in Christ’s love regardless of their circumstances?

God’s calling each of us to live our faith in this real and broken world, where real and broken people live, out there in the wider communities and also within the fellowship of believers.

By God’s grace, we can be the agents of transformation that the world needs now.

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May all we seek be found in Christ