Lately, the domination and oppression of others has been on my mind.  When I follow current events regarding the matter, I become both angry and saddened at the same time.  I don’t know if you noticed but it is a horrific problem in our world.  When I read the scriptures and follow history it seems to be nothing new.  It has been around in many forms for centuries.

    This exploitation of others in our world comes at us from many fronts.  From slave labor on construction sites, in the fields, and in sweat shops, to sexual slavery even within our cities and suburbs.  With the fall of governments and the global down turn in the economy, slavery becomes more prolific every day.  People in desperate situations are being promised one thing and then put into places and situations where they are they are being forced into service for the advantage of others.

     In the book of Amos, we hear God speaking through the prophet, who shows the people how they have been oppressing others for gain. In the process God expresses his displeasure and imposes judgment on those who are carrying out these deeds.  God Sent Jesus to set the prisoners free.  He cares deeply for those who are suffering in these situations.  I believe that as part of his redemptive plan, we as a church are supposed to be involved in his plan.  Perhaps it is by continuing to shed light on the problem.  Maybe it is to be there to free someone from their imprisonment or to provide sanctuary and safe haven for them.  These are but a few of the ways in which we could stand in the gap, and assist those in need.  We need to pray and ask God to help us discern where he would have us become involved both as individuals and as church communities.

  How have you seen this problem in your world?  How is it that God has shown you to be involved?

Picture: Prison Planet, by Azrainman