– Scripture:

The Israelite foremen came to Pharaoh and cried out for relief: “Why are you treating your servants like this? Nobody gives us any straw and they tell us, ‘Make bricks!’ Look at us we’re being beaten. And it’s not our fault.” But Pharaoh said, “Lazy! That’s what you are! Lazy! That’s why you whine, ‘Let us go so we can worship GOD.’ Well then, go—go back to work. Nobody’s going to give you straw, and at the end of the day you better bring in your full quota of bricks.” 19  The Israelite foremen saw that they were in a bad way, having to go back and tell their workers, “Not one brick short in your daily quota.” As they left Pharaoh, they found Moses and Aaron waiting to meet them. The foremen said to them, “May GOD see what you’ve done and judge you; you’ve made us stink before Pharaoh and his servants! You’ve put a weapon in his hand that’s going to kill us!” Moses went back to GOD and said, “My Master, why are you treating this people so badly? And why did you ever send me? From the moment I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, things have only gotten worse for this people. And rescue? Does this look like rescue to you?”

                              Exodus 5:15–23 MSG

– Reflection:

                Your Freedom

Justice is not easily achieved, and it certainly doesn’t happen quickly. I often wish that the great injustices in the world could be solved as neatly and swiftly as they are in a one-hour crime drama on TV. The problem is introduced, the characters are developed, there might be a minor setback for drama, and then victory comes before the final commercial break. Don’t you wish life were that simple? We all know it isn’t, but sometimes we expect the great injustices to crumble and fall as soon as we put our minds to it. Personally, I’ve felt tempted to step away, pull out, and give up if things get too “messy” when advocating or standing up for justice in the world. When it is no longer popular to have the catchy yard sign, speak up among colleagues and friends, or call attention to the suffering in the world, what do we do? When the powers that be double down on their power, use language to slander, attack, and blame the victims and those who stand with them, what do we do? When the work towards justice seems to ask something of me in my lifetime, but might not be resolved for a generation or two later, do we stay committed or do we back down?

Where do we go from here?

It’s important to remember that working for justice is never easy. It can turn people who care about each other into enemies. The pushback from authority and the powers that be can instill fear and prevent positive action. Too often, just as the work for justice is beginning, well-meaning people step back and retreat to the safety and comfort of their lives. Nevertheless, we are called not to turn away from the world’s troubles, not to ignore the suffering of our brothers and sisters, and perhaps to make ourselves a little uncomfortable so that others may receive comfort. Let’s keep in mind the marginalized, the persecuted, and the mistreated, for that is where we are often called to show up and make a difference.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, you know the places of peace we need, continue to strengthen us through the trouble our hearts have and quicken our feet to move and respond to the injustices of the world. Grant us courage and strength to sustain the work alongside you, which points and bends towards your beloved community. Through your Son, the Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.