Theme: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Text: “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!” – Isaiah 10:1,2
Comment: God Almighty is against oppression as it smacks of ingratitude to Him Who is The genuine Source of power and wealth. (Psalm 62:10,11; Deuteronomy 8:18) Injustice also causes ill feelings amongst people. “Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.” – Ecclesiastes 7:7.
The text for today is rendered in the New International Version thus: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.” (Isaiah 10:1, 2) Seeing that it is not common to see any Government or people make laws asking people to oppress the poor and needy, how does one make “unjust laws” or “oppressive decrees…to deprive the poor of their rights”? It is by unfair, partial and unbalanced attitudes or disposition; allowing some persons to be “sacred cows” or “untouchables” who ride rough shod over the people -because the powers that be are on their side – while the people languish. King Solomon gives the assurance that God Almighty is watching over all things and will give the wicked their just desserts in due time. “If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.” – Ecclesiastes 5:8