Thursday, November 30
No More Slavery
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
Through Jeremiah, God promises the people of Israel freedom. Freedom from exile. Freedom from oppression. Freedom from their bonds of slavery and servitude.
It's hard to believe, but there is still slavery that exists today. Even harder to fathom, it's right underneath our noses. In the stores where we shop, in our salons, in our neighborhoods, people are being forced to work, are raped, are bought and sold.
There are things we can do to stop it.
1. Cultivate an awareness about it.
Learn the signs to watch for. Here are some.
- Living with employer
- Poor living conditions
- Multiple people in cramped space
- Inability to speak to individual alone
- Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
- Employer is holding identity documents
- Signs of physical abuse
- Submissive or fearful
- Unpaid or paid very little
- Under 18 and in prostitution
Know where your products come from, and buy from socially responsible companies.
Host an Awareness Event in your neighborhood. Invite local advocates to speak.
2. Take Action.
Report indicators that a person might be enslaved.
Lobby for change to policies that fail to protect vulnerable populations.
Donate to organizations that fight human trafficking.
Work with local schools to educate kids on how to stay safe online and in public.
Click here for more things you can do to combat this continuing problem.
Freedom is a precious gift. It is a gift God wants for everyone. It's a gift God gave to Israel. It's a gift God gave to you. Help give the gift to others, if you can.
Narrative Lectionary Text: Jeremiah 30:1-9
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. For the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their ancestors and they shall take possession of it. These are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah: Thus says the Lord: We have heard a cry of panic, of terror, and no peace. Ask now, and see, can a man bear a child? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labor? Why has every face turned pale? Alas! that day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be rescued from it. On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will break the yoke from off his neck, and I will burst his bonds, and strangers shall no more make a servant of him. But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.