We must begin to hear the cries of the incarcerated and start to feel the intensity of their pain. Such an adjustment is not easy. After all, so much of our religion is an engagement in the pursuit of our own personal comfort and the elimination of pain in our own life. In such a climate of personalized religion it just does not make sense to try to hear and respond to the needs of others. Yet Jesus declares, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40)
As we desire to be guided by the spirit of truth, which Jesus speaks of in John 16:7-15, we begin to realize we cannot dwell in truth unless we effectively take sides with the unloved, the oppressed and the downtrodden? To do such requires not only faith but the clear-cut directives found in 2 Peter 1:3-8. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
If we are truly going to be effective and productive instruments of justice, we must first listen to the cries of the victims of injustice and then seek God for the wisdom to offer viable solutions. We are told in 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 the following, "But, as it is written, What no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the heart of the man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him," God has revealed to us through the spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what person knows a man's thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit, which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this is words not taught by human wisdom, but taught by the Spirit, interpreting truths to those who possess the Spirit".
In the Midst of the cry for justice we must ask God for the revelation He provides through His Spirit. Sometimes he shows us direct solutions for the problem of suffering and issues of injustice. Other times it means standing in solidarity with those in need. The questions of "where is justice," and "why me, oh God" swirl around us. In complete desperation, often without clear direction, we are forced to our knees to prayer. Then as empty vessels God is free to first fill us with His peace, and then gives us the direction for meeting the needs God has shown us.
Sometimes such direction may not come for some time. That is why we must remain steadfast and pray daily for those in need. Psalm 82:3-4 tells us, “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
It is because Jesus has demonstrated victory over death itself through His physical resurrection, we can be assured of the resurrection coming in the midst of injustice and oppression. We are told in Isaiah 32:3-8, "Then everyone who can see will be looking for God, and those who can hear will listen for His voice. Even the Hotheads among them will be full of sense and understanding. Those who stammer in uncertainty will speak out plainly. In that day, ungodly fools will not be heroes. Wealthy cheaters will not be respected as outstanding citizens. Everyone will recognize ungodly fools for what they are. They spread lies about the Lord; they deprive the hungry of food and give no water to the thirsty. The smooth tricks of evil people will be exposed including all the lies they used to oppress the poor in the courts but good people will be generous to others and will be blessed for all they do."
These good people are those who care about others and engage in PUSH prayers for justice. They are willing to do this until they see the promise of Isaiah 32:3-8 fulfilled. PUSH prayers involve Praying until Something Happens. PUSH prayers are those prayers that are doing what Jesus told us to do in Matthew 7:7-8 when He said, "Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."
Prayer birthed in the compassion of Jesus moves us among those in need, enabling us to experience that need in the depths of our souls. It causes us to obey our Lord command when He says, "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest field." Please pray for more NLEC workers to come forth. As we see the magnitude of need around us, let us cry out with the prophet, "My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets in the streets of the city" (Lamentations 2:11)
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