Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, February 24, 2025
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Once again we are told God gives justice to the oppressed. (See last Monday, February 17). You would think all us Christians would have gotten the message. Yet many professing to be Christians all over the world support elected officials, laws, and social practices that clearly oppress others. Is justice to be reserved for oppressed Christians? I’m sorry. God does not belong to Christians. God does not belong to anyone. Nor does anyone have the right to decide exactly who God is for other people. Those who believe that God came to earth in the person of Jesus, was murdered by Rome, and rose again three days later—that is, Christians—are called to follow in the way of Jesus. And Jesus’ way is one of working tirelessly on behalf of the marginalized. Even people who did not believe what he believed. Even, and especially, those made “other” by social norms: immigrants and women and lepers. Jesus’ lived a life of poverty. He did not accumulate wealth. In fact, he was vocal about how wealth prevents people from a true connection with God. I don’t know how he could have been clearer. I don’t know how anyone professing to be Christian can justify laws that discriminate against BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ people or take healthcare away from women or perpetuate poverty and hunger. Maybe it’s just the mood I’m in right now—I know people are multilayered and complex. I know that even those whose politics I am diametrically opposed to aren’t bad or stupid or ignorant or otherwise “other.” I know that I am complicit in systems that do these same things. But honestly. I just don’t get it sometimes. God, please help me be open and loving to others.
Where do I oppress? How do I stand up against oppression.
