“Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.” (Proverbs 31:8)
Back some years ago there was a movement called “The Social Gospel Movement.” There was very little emphasis on preaching the Gospel. The emphasis was on doing good deeds to people—giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. The Social Gospel believers preached the Gospel through their deeds and not through their words.
I came along on the heels of this movement, and I was very much at the other end of the spectrum. I believed very strongly in preaching the Gospel. You can feed a hungry person in Jesus’ name—and that is good as far as it goes—but a person can die and go to hell on a full stomach as well as an empty stomach.
Then, as so often is the case, the pendulum began to swing back to the middle—and so did I. It is not a matter of either/or. It is a matter of both/and. We are commanded to do both: to preach the Gospel and to meet their physical needs. We are to feed and clothe and preach! We are to speak up for those who have no voice, stand up for the rights of the oppressed and marginalized of our society, and we are to tell them clearly and plainly the wonderful story of Jesus’ death for sinners.
Problem is, as I see it today, we are not doing either very well. Lord, please help us to do Your will—to raise our voices and extend our hands!
You know this makes me think about the "why". I know from personal experience we can recognize a need and not respond because "there are programs to help those folks". Years before social programs came into existence in 1930's there were these same needs within our population, people without jobs, food, housing; abused children; abortion; indigent elderly. I say all this to say - there have always been needy and before a social program existed these people were cared for by other people. People, I dare say Christian churches, spoke up for people in need and provided the necessary care. Why do we not feel a responsibility - no, why don't we appreciate the gift to serve another in need? Speaking for myself I should be ashamed. What Would Jesus Do? Well, it wouldn't be to pass others up that need to hear about His love and see it in my hands of service. To serve without expectation or desire of receipt is the greatest gift God gives us! Back to the question "why" - I think we (i.e. me) are too busy, too self-serving, and too occupied with those that have a voice! Thank you for the word that led to my convicted heart Pastor.
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