Rev Gav
Justice
Luke 3:18-20. Sometimes, as Christians, we are called to stand up for what is right and speak out against injustice.
Luke 3:18-20
18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.
19 John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. 20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.
Reflect
This is Luke’s final section in Chapter 3 about John the Baptiser. John proclaimed the good news message about the coming king, but also told people that they had to get ready, and if necessary, change their behaviour.
Now, remember that Judea was occupied by the Romans? Well, when Herod the Great died, the Romans divided the land into four parts and one of Herod’s sons, called Herod Antipas, was overseeing two of them. He was Jewish, but what we call a ‘puppet’ leader – because Rome was in control and pulling the strings.
Now, Herod Antipas wanted to inherit his father’s title, ‘King of the Jews’ and he saw himself as the rightful king. He had even begun rebuilding the temple, something that great kings in the past had done. However, Herod was not living in a right relationship with God, and he did not go to John for baptism. Even worse, he committed adultery with his brother’s wife! Not good. John criticised Herod, and Herod had him banged up. John fearlessly stood up for what he believed was right, even though it meant going to prison.
As we draw closer to God, we see with God’s eyes, and we gain his heart and his compassion for the world. Because of this, sometimes, as Christians, we are called to stand up for what is right and speak out against injustice.
Do
Can you think of someone who is speaking out against injustice? It might be a friend, a leader, or someone working for a charity. Spend a moment asking God to help them be clear, strong, and courageous.
Pray
Holy God
Give me wisdom to know
how and when to speak out,
when I see others being
oppressed, abused, or exploited.
Give me boldness to
stand up for what is right, true, and honest,
in the name of Jesus Christ.
This day and for ever.
Amen.
Think
What else was in John’s overall message that Herod Antipas might not have been best pleased about?
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I'm guessing colluding with the Romans would have been a big no-no.
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As someone who is responsible for a disabled spouse, 60 animals, and a bunch of seedlings, I sometimes am fearful about being bold about my beliefs. I am slowly feeling more confident as I am less dependent on any single source of income, but it can still be scary! Maybe this is why Paul suggested that being single has its advantages!
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I am certainly feeling 'bolder' about speaking out against injustice. Today, for example, I commented on nasty comments posted on a national newspaper article about the new Director of Out Bermuda, a charity that supports the LGBTQ+ community. You do have to be very 'thick skinned' though and in a good place, mentally, to deal with the vitriol thrown at you.