On September 1 I began a 6 week sermon series on Amos and the idea of social justice. As I have prepared and delivered these sermons, I have become more aware of how sheltered I am. I have done this to myself for the most part. I am now more aware of some of the injustices in the world. I am more aware of how I haven't cared enough about how people around the world have been treated or are being treated right now. I am aware that the church is movement of God and if anything good should come to the world that hurts and is in despair it should come from God through the church. I am aware that it feels safe to deal with what color the carpet should be, what songs we choose for Sunday worship, and how creative I can make my PowerPoint, rather than think about the girls around the world who are being manipulated and sold into brothels or children who have been born with HIV or boys stolen to fight in Kony's Army in the Sudan or the millions who drink dirty water that is not only gross, but fatal. And as I prepared what I might say this year based on the theme of "Illuminate: Sharing the light of Christ by serving others" I asked the question about justice: Is it justice to think of only just us? I have had 9 months to ponder that question. But it wasn't till I began to prepare each sermon and read, re-read, and dwell in Amos that I have been convicted and at a loss all at the same time. I was convicted of how by not being a small part of the solution, by hiding my head in the sand I have become part of the problem. I was convicted that the Lord cares for ALL people, not just those who call Him, Lord. I was convicted that I traded issues here in my local church that seem solvable for world issues that seem to grand to tackle. I was convicted that I would stand up every Sunday speaking to my congregation and knowing that I am no further down the road than they and that we must travel this path together and that not only am I the preacher, but the listener as well.
I have been at a loss as well. As I began to preach these sermons the conflicts in Egypt and Syria were heavy on the news. How can the church help in those situations? What can I personally do? Will there ever be any hope in a world with such desolation? How can I communicate the need for our church in Conway, AR to think, pray, and act as a measure of grace to people hurting at the other end of the world?
I'm still not totally sure what all should be done and what we could do. I'm hoping that as a church and as I present these messages that an awareness, a conversation will begin that will draw upon the gifts of many to come up with some action of grace and mercy and love. I'm praying for a world away that God will be made known and help us to be his representatives. I'm preaching a message of justice for the world that goes beyond thinking about just us! And let's face it, the world doesn't need our government, our rules, our economy, our smiles, our care packages. The hurting of the world, those who are treated unjustly through oppression need our Savior. Give them hope through Jesus and while it may not take their oppression away, it will give them a new life and new sight for a day when God redeems the world and restores all of creation. Come Lord Jesus!
I have been at a loss as well. As I began to preach these sermons the conflicts in Egypt and Syria were heavy on the news. How can the church help in those situations? What can I personally do? Will there ever be any hope in a world with such desolation? How can I communicate the need for our church in Conway, AR to think, pray, and act as a measure of grace to people hurting at the other end of the world?
I'm still not totally sure what all should be done and what we could do. I'm hoping that as a church and as I present these messages that an awareness, a conversation will begin that will draw upon the gifts of many to come up with some action of grace and mercy and love. I'm praying for a world away that God will be made known and help us to be his representatives. I'm preaching a message of justice for the world that goes beyond thinking about just us! And let's face it, the world doesn't need our government, our rules, our economy, our smiles, our care packages. The hurting of the world, those who are treated unjustly through oppression need our Savior. Give them hope through Jesus and while it may not take their oppression away, it will give them a new life and new sight for a day when God redeems the world and restores all of creation. Come Lord Jesus!
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