Sunday, October 7, 2018 - "Exodus: Freedom through Justice"
Have you ever wondered what the Bible actually says about the word justice? This Sunday we kick off a series looking at how the Bible defines it.
Scripture
Exodus 6:2-13
Amos 5:24
Hymns and Other Music
We Are One in the Spirit
When God Restored Our Common Life
Come Together by the Beatles
The Feast Divine
Live into Hope
Reflection Questions
How do you want God to fight for you?
How would you describe freedom for yourself, for your family, and for the community?
Have you ever had a negative experience that felt like it was unending?
Have you ever found it hard to listen to someone who is trying to help you? Why?
How hard is it to do what God requires of us? Why?
Further Study
Deuteronomy 1:16-18- At that same time, I commanded your judges: Listen to your fellow tribe members and judge fairly, whether the dispute is between one fellow tribe member or between a tribe member and an immigrant. Don’t show favoritism in a decision. Hear both sides out, whether the person is important or not. Don’t be afraid of anyone because the ruling belongs to God. Any dispute that is too difficult for you to decide, bring to me and I will take care of it. So at that time, I commanded you concerning everything you were to do. – CEB
Proverbs 31:8-9- Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor. – CEB
Isaiah 30:18-19- Nonetheless, the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you, and will rise up to show you compassion. The Lord is a God of justice; happy are all who wait for him. People in Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. God will certainly be merciful to you. Hearing the sound of your outcry, God will answer you. – CEB
Isaiah 51:4-5 - Pay attention to me, my people; listen to me, my nation, for teaching will go out from me, my justice, as a light to the nations. I will quickly bring my victory. My salvation is on its way, and my arm will judge the peoples. The coastlands hope for me; they wait for my judgment. - CEB
Quote
From the 223rdGeneral Assembly: “love with skin is justice.”
Glossary of Terms
Rightouesness (tsedeq) – ethical standard – right relationship
Justice (mishpat) – retributive justice, restorative justice – advocating/taking steps to seek out the vulnerable
Wicked (rashad) – ignoring dignity of another person
To justify - to set right
Music Playlist
Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes (1975)
Exodusby Bob Marley (1977)
Where Is the Loveby Black Eyed Peas (2003)
Redemption Songby Bob Marley (1980)
Further Conversations with Others
(This is a challenge to engage others in conversation over the next week. Here are a couple of questions to help discuss with others)
Why care about justice?
How do you engage in the work of justice?
How do you, your family, and friends engage in the work of justice?