Monday, January 26, 2009

Isaiah 1 and the Heart of Social Justice By Michael McKittrick


Social Justice. This seems to be the new buzz word amongst young evangelical Christians and for good reason. God has a heart for justice and so should we. Recently though, I was chatting with a girl about social justice, and she made the comment that social justice was the Gospel! I was worried about that statement and with further dialogue she clarified that she meant that it was tied to the Gospel. This though reminded me of the importance of understanding the difference between the Gospel and social justice. What really has hit me recently is the understanding that in losing the Gospel we actually lose the heart that beats for social justice. Let me explain by looking at Isaiah 1:16-20.

Isaiah has just denounced the superficial religion and worship of Israel and out rings the call to “cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression,” and at first glance, this may appear to be a straightforward call to do social justice as God’s mission. But wait! Listen to God’s words in the following verse:
“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they
shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
The real call of the passage is not just to do social justice but so much more. It is the call of salvation, the Gospel. It is a call from God to be made clean, because you have realized how full of blood your hands are. In the flow of the passage, it becomes clear that social justice is an outflow of a heart made clean by God just as superficial worship and oppression are an outflow of a sinful heart untouched by God. Social justice, just like superficial worship, is only pleasing to God when it flows from a heart made clean by God. A heart made clean by God should do social justice, but doing social justice in itself does not wash you clean in the sight of God.
William Wilberforce in his book, Real Christianity, urged his Christian readers to not only get involved in social justice but to beware the danger of becoming just like the secular social justice groups. Real Christians not only do social justice, but they have a different perspective on why they do social justice. Let us remember that social justice is done because we seek not only to reflect God, but also to call people to believe in Jesus as the only way of being washed clean. Let us make sure that we are calling people to believe in Jesus with the understanding of Isaiah:
“If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
If we leave out the Gospel, I believe that we will be wasting our efforts, because we will save people now only to see them destroyed for eternity. We will also see a generation that rises up after us without a heart made clean by God which will inevitably lead to more sin and oppression. In fact, I would argue that our primary call is always to preach the forgiveness of sins by the blood of Jesus. This is the most important call. This is what we are called to suffer and die for, and if we do this then and only then will social justice truly flow as a mighty river fed from a heart made clean by God.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Going into 2009: Part II by Damien Howard


Going into 2009: Part II

I echo my brother’s sentiment, i.e. “global dynamics are shifting fast and with these changes have come significant challenges.” As a beacon of hope and inspiration, I pray that the church (proper) will respond to this shift (and accompanying challenges) in a way that brings glory to God our Father. 1 Peter 2:12 reads “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

Efficient stewardship of our resources is key. As we commit in 2009, to living lives that are intentional about representing and glorifying God, we must ask ourselves the following question. How am I managing my TEAM?

T- Time
E- Energy
A- Attention
M- Money

My prayer is for the Christian community to stand up to mediate and morally guide the changing global dynamics of our time. During the civil rights era, Dr. King transparently told his followers that some of them would be jailed during the movement; he went on to admit that some would even die. Martyred, Dr. King gave his life for what he believed was “good.” More importantly, Jesus Christ gave His life for what he knew was “good” for you and for me.

The “good life” according to Peter’s theology is a life of suffering and submittal. As we take our voyage of submitting to God and suffering for the cause of Christ (as sojourners here on Earth) we are communally trekking towards holiness. This may not be perfectly achieved while here on Earth, but we must use our resources in a way that we continually strive towards that one goal; i.e. Holiness. What seems “right” or “good” to us is certainly despicable to others. They will certainly call us names and may even attempt to inflict bodily harm. However, in 2009, though the persecution may rise, though vitriolic accusations will continue to be hurled in the direction of the Christian community, we must continually manage our TEAM in a way that brings glory to God our Father, nurture to His children, and even personal joy! As we align our TEAM management plans with the missio Dei, transformation will occur. Beloved, I am excited about our future!

[Specific Application of this exhortation will differ for each reader. Prayerfully, take inventory and commit to managing your TEAM to the glory of God in whatever specific ministry (or ministries) He has called you to.]

Monday, January 19, 2009

Going in to 2009


Isaiah 1:17 say’s “to seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Justice matters to God, and because of this I believe we are in a kairos moment for the work of justice. Global dynamics are shifting fast and with these changes have come significant challenges. Yet, at the same time God has been awakening the hearts of believers in our time to the cause of justice and compassion in a way we have never seen before. He is filling hearts with love and providing new avenues and resources for us to love God and love our neighbor. I hope and pray that this work will continue in 2009, and I pray that God would move in new and increasing ways. As we enter this New Year, the challenges set before us are great, yet God is with us. Let us be mindful, prayerful and diligent in seeking out ways in which we can do the work of the kingdom in our spheres of influence, each day. We should also be in constant prayer for our new president and his administration, with our new president there is much to rejoice in and much to be concerned with. Let us pray that this administration would heed God’s call to “do justice”, and may we hold the new administration accountable for its actions and responsibilities.