Hi
As we hear more and more highlights of corruption across the globe; we may have questions. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think about the roots –
“As Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons to be judges over Israel … But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.” 1 Samuel 8:1, 3 NLT
These days, perverting the course of justice can be a criminal offense. But not always. Especially if the one charged is in fact, the Law in town. So many world leaders (now and then), come readily to mind.
But these were not quite world leaders – they were priests; God’s representatives to the worshipping community! They were accountable to Samuel and also a higher authority. But they must have forgotten about the mandate somewhere along the way; for they chose to be accountable to no one. Not even Samuel their father. No, no one.
The real challenge is Samuel’s. One may conclude that the end of Eli’s high priestly lineage should have been a reality check for him. It wasn’t. Instead he basically repeated the same indulgent behavior which led to God’s fateful judgement against Eli. A judgement which Samuel had had to voice.
So what happened.
Like many of us, Samuel got his values confused for a while. Maybe he’d even hoped that the new responsibilities would’ve realized transformation in his sons. If so, it backfired. Or, perhaps age got the best of Samuel, and he decided that his sons should benefit from the system which demanded so much of his time and energies.
Whatever his reasoning, whatever our reasoning; the actions offended God and discriminated against humanity. Nepotism is scarcely ever ideal. And where we see justice being perverted; we each have a responsibility to act. Firstly with prayer; then, as led by God’s Spirit.
And that’s the rub.
For no one really enjoys being the one to speak up against injustice. Whether it’s domestic violence; ill treatment of migrants and/or persons in the cracks; workplace inequalities or political injustice in our local contexts.
Perhaps today is the day that change begins. With me. With you. With each of us deciding to make decisions which honor God first.
Maybe?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
