Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
—Proverbs 31:8 (KJV)
God's people in every era are called to defend the rights of the weak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the life of those who are vulnerable — born or unborn, regardless of race or nationality, similar to us or different, and whether they are in their right mind or emotionally disturbed. This comprehensive call is God's great reminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we have are not ours; they are gifts on loan from God to be used to bless those who have no power to speak, defend, or protect themselves. We as God's people are to be conduits of grace, mercy, and redemption (1 Peter 2:8-11). Yes, I know this is not a popular point of view or a particularly comfortable one for many of us — and I include myself in that group. But the second commandment that sums up all of God's desires for us is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). The parable of the "Good Samaritan" reminds us that this means being a neighbor to someone who might make us uncomfortable but needs our help (Luke 10:25-27).
Father, please rouse in your people, rouse in me, a holy passion to stand up for those who are vulnerable to abuse, caught in abandonment, and under unfair attack. Please use us, and especially use me, Father, to be a redemptive force in the time and the circle of influence in which I live and to the people you place in my path. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Proverbs 31:8 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God's people in every era are called to defend the rights of the weak, speak up for the disenfranchised, and protect the life of those who are vulnerable — born or unborn, regardless of race or nationality, similar to us or different, and whether they are in their right mind or emotionally disturbed. This comprehensive call is God's great reminder that the blessings, rights, wealth, and power we have are not ours; they are gifts on loan from God to be used to bless those who have no power to speak, defend, or protect themselves. We as God's people are to be conduits of grace, mercy, and redemption (1 Peter 2:8-11). Yes, I know this is not a popular point of view or a particularly comfortable one for many of us — and I include myself in that group. But the second commandment that sums up all of God's desires for us is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). The parable of the "Good Samaritan" reminds us that this means being a neighbor to someone who might make us uncomfortable but needs our help (Luke 10:25-27).
My Prayer...
Father, please rouse in your people, rouse in me, a holy passion to stand up for those who are vulnerable to abuse, caught in abandonment, and under unfair attack. Please use us, and especially use me, Father, to be a redemptive force in the time and the circle of influence in which I live and to the people you place in my path. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
