I learned this story from multiple colleagues over the years and it has helped me understand why people of faith and the local church need to address systemic issues in our nation, states, counties, and cities. For decades, people of faith and local churches have been providing compassion ministries that help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide a myriad of tangible resources for people in need. This is very needed and worthy work made clear in all of Scripture.
But as I’m sure you’ve noticed, these compassion ministries have become overwhelmed by the human need across our country. These compassion ministries like food pantries and homeless shelters, to name a few, are experiencing record human need and are constantly struggling to maintain a volunteer and financial base needed to help everyone. At some point, someone needs to walk “upstream” and find out why the need is growing exponentially and work to seek justice for those being “thrown into the river.”
The Bible speaks clearly about seeking God’s justice for all of creation. The Old Testament prophets held the Israelites’ feet to the fire concerning mistreating and oppressing the most vulnerable among them, i.e., the orphan, the widow, and the foreigners. The prophet Micah states plainly: “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Even Jesus frames his entire earthly ministry around bringing good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19). Scripture compels people of faith in Jesus Christ to take care of our neighbors’ physical needs (compassion ministry) and to also seek justice (walk “upstream”). These are key elements in understanding a deeper, more complete meaning of discipleship.
This year Churchnet has created an event titled “Do Justice: Engaging the Future with Hope.” This event will be held on the Missouri Baptist University campus in St. Louis, MO. The breakout sessions and keynote speakers will challenge us to live into a deeper understanding of discipleship and empower us to walk “upstream” and identify systems that oppress our neighbors. If you are interested in this type of challenging experience, I hope you will join us.