Speak Up
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:8-9
Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
These words were a part of the wisdom imparted to King Lemuel by his mother. (For a discussion about who they were see yesterday’s First Light). As a king, Lemuel was in a position to speak up for those who otherwise would have no ability to speak up for themselves.
One might wonder why this advice would be necessary to begin with. Wouldn’t the king naturally be the one speaking up for justice and defending the defenseless? Well, if you look at the present world order you would realize that people in power don’t always use that power righteously.
The question is why not? It could be cowardice, the fear that they might come under attack. It could be pride. They might think the poor, needy, and destitute are beneath them. It might be selfishness. Possibly they believe that by giving something to the destitute they will impoverish themselves in some way. Of course, it might just be a callous disregard for the needs of others. They just don’t love others.
While all of these things could be the reason, the root cause is a lack of love for Christ.
I am grateful for those who are persistent in working to stop the horrific practice of abortion. Others are doing their part to speak out against child trafficking. Some work tirelessly to see that those who are destitute are being helped.
Thank God for all of those who do these kinds of works. I am confident that one day they will hear Jesus say, “Well done…As you did it unto the least of these, my brothers, you did it unto me.”
May we be counted among them.
