Every Tuesday night I walk into a classroom at 6pm anticipating the learning process that will last until we leave at 9pm. This class is called "Biblical Global Justice". Basically, we discuss the issues of social and Biblical justice while trying to develop an understanding of what scripture has to say about justice and in time, we develop a theology and practice of Biblical justice. The people that make up this class are from all over the world, which is unique to a class at Gordon-Conwell. There is a man from Zimbabwe, a woman from Kenya, several from Korea, a few from China, a man from India, and the list continues. This is quite possibly the most diverse class I have taken in seminary and I love how much it adds to my learning, particularly in this area of study. In doing the reading and listening to the discussion on social justice issues in the world and our role as Christians, based on scriptures mandates to care for the oppressed, I have felt convicted, disappointed in the Church, and encouraged to do my part. Living in the city so far this semester has caused me to be so much more aware of people from other socio-enomic and culture backgrounds. Even today on the bus, I witnessed the business professionals on their way to work paradoxicallly sitting next to the poor and disinfranchised. Holding these issues in balance calls me to remain content that God has placed me in middle class America while requiring me to have a heart for the poor, widowed, and oppressed. How in the world am I supposed to be content knowing I am about to go buy a new TV when the woman next to me on the train doesn't even have lunch today? I am not sure how it all works but I know it often seems overwhelming. So my professors encourages us to sit in the tension between the rich and the poor, to enjoy what we have been blessed with while having a heart for and an awareness of those who have nothing emotionally and physically. While that is a liberating concept for me to consume and digest, I still feel caught in the middle of these issues. I am then called to wait on the day when:
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:4-5
Oh, Jerusalem...
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:4-5
Oh, Jerusalem...
1 comment:
em,
ahh. this is a hard one to reconcile in our human minds. thank the Lord that he gives us the heart for those less fortunate. i know too many people who are selfish, materialistic, and content to be consumers. i am glad you are learning more about this, especially spiritually. i think the only thing that helps me is to remember that every good and perfect thing comes from God and so if he has blessed me with more money than another, that i must not feel cursed for it, but blessed. however, it is important to recognize another's need and be generous and wise with what we are blessed with. God doesnt give us money or stuff to make us feel guilty, that's not the intention, however, he also doesnt give us money and stuff to have us hold onto it. this sounds like an eye-opening class. i like those!
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