Day 173

2 Kings 3:1‐4:17; Acts 14:8‐28; Psalm 140:1‐13; Proverb 17:22

Rise Up, O Lord!

One of the main concerns of our day is oppression. There are many people, groups, and individuals, across the nation and around the world who are experiencing some form of oppression. Oppression can show itself in the work place, the public sector, the home, etc. It can be racial, gender-based, or social in motivation.

Many voices out in the world proclaim solutions to problems of oppression. The most dominant voice calls the oppressed to overthrow the oppressor. We hear the cries of radical feminists, radical civil rights groups, radical liberation movements: “Break their chains! Rise up, Oh People, in revolt!”

The people of God need not look to themselves for salvation from subjugation. They can look to the Lord to break the chains and bring about justice. The cries of the oppressed in Scripture are like those of Psalm 140: “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence” (v.1 NIV). The people of God should pray as this psalm for the Lord to bring justice on the earth: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” (v.12 NIV). Is your freedom intruded upon by others? Then seek the Lord to right the wrong.

Prayer: Rise up, O Lord, and defend the cause of your people. There are those who seek to destroy dignity and freedom. You have said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay”; then keep your word and bring an end to injustice on this earth.

The Rev. Charlie Holt