It has always been the task of God's people to speak out on issues of justice. We are exhorted to look out for the marginalised and the oppressed. As Proverbs 31:8-9 has it: Speak out for those who cannot speak. for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
That needs to be worked in to the ordinary life of every church congregation. I have been reading the Christian Aid Report, "The Prophetic Church" in which Marijke Hoek offers 'a Biblical theology for a campaigning church' - "In the Bible, we see amazing examples of God's people tenaciously standing up for just causes, vigorously defending human dignity, sacrificially fending off threats to the vulnerable, and leading them into a better inheritance." Hoek goes on to cite Moses and Esther as two particular examples - "Like the prophets, Moses and Esther speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, advocating for the rights of all who are destitute, defending the rights of the poor and needy."
It is a call! Who is God calling us to speak up for - and what are we doing about it? There are many needs around in our world. Some seem to encourage all sorts of people to get involved - and we see the massive response of things like Children in Need and Comic Relief. That's great - and there is every reason to get involved in those things. However, it is important to also remember the unpopular causes. Supporting them can, in some cases, prove a lot more challenging. But if that is what we are called to do ......
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