WEDNESDAY IN THE WORD    February 8, 2023

“SOCIAL JUSTICE JESUS’ WAY”

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19 NIV

As we enter the month celebrating Black History, thoughts of what Social Justice would look like from Jesus’ perspective floods my mind. These days it seems that today’s idea of what social justice is, so often has very little to do with what the Bible affirms as true justice. Society’s justice is usually some form of socialism, communism or liberalism, and NOT the way of Jesus. I believe that Social Justice Jesus’ way happens when we recognize that God owns everything and we are just managers. We are stewards entrusted by God to manage our bodies, money, possessions, time and our gifts. All of these are managed for God’s Glory and on God’s behalf.

Paul understood that nothing he had was his own, not even his life. That’s why he determined to lay it all down for the sake of the Gospel. He literally gave God command over his everything, when he said, “I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Now just imagine if we all gave of ourselves in this way for the Lord’s work! True social justice would be realized that we bless others because God has blessed us, not under compulsion, but because our reward is in heaven. When God takes hold of everything we have, we will not be concerned about our fair share, but focused on living out God’s loving purposes.

I don’t believe that this will happen unless a transformation takes place in our lives. I think Howard Thurman stated it well in an excerpt from his “Meditations of the Heart” writings titled: “Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me”

Open unto me, light for my darkness.

                                                                                                                                               Open unto me, courage for my fear.                                                                                                                                                Open unto me, hope for my despair.                                                                                                                                          Open unto me, peace for my turmoil.                                                                                                                                        

Open unto me, joy for my sorrow.

                                                                                                                                               Open unto me, strength for my weakness.                                                                                                                                          Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion.                                                                                                                                          Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins.                                                                                                                                                Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness.                                                                                                                                               Open unto me, love for my hates.

                                                                                                                                               Open unto me, Thy Self for myself.

                                                                                                                                               Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me.

So, we should thank God for Paul’s example. For nothing we have is our own. We are just stewards of it all. We should pray for Social Justice Jesus’ Way, as we become completely focused on God’s Kingdom Mission. Then, just think of how many more might come to know Him, as We all increase our Faith in our Creator, the Sovereign God . Amen.

Rev. Andie