Daily Reading: 17 July
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Call to account
Something to read
Though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, from there I will search out and take them; and though they hide from my sight at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the sea-serpent, and it shall bite them.
- Amos 9:3.
Something to think about
The Bible is really clear that God has, and always had, a no-tolerance response to injustice.
It may not be immediately obvious in our world, but from the mountain top to the deepest fathoms, God has both a top-down and bottom up, long-term pursuit against injustice.
Without this firm conviction our work would be impossible. We believe God has called us to be a part of his persistent presence against injustice – to end it where we can, and call all injustices to account in business, government and communities.
What excites and humbles us, is that God’s relentless response happens as we work together.
Something to do
Sometimes things change quickly, but many successful campaigns take a long time to accomplish and require patience and tenacity.
Identify an injustice which has been running for a long time, and commit this to prayer for a sustained period of a month or more.
Something to pray
God of Justice, you have promised to bring all injustices to account.
In your mercy and transforming power you have chosen me to be a part of your relentless battle against the wrongs in our world.
Give me the grace of courage to work with you for those who are oppressed.
Amen.
Today's contributor is the late Rev Joel Edwards.
Joel was a writer, broadcaster, coach and public speaker. He was over 30 years in Christian leadership as director of Micah Challenge, a global advocacy campaign, general director of the Evangelical Alliance UK, and a wide range of community engagements in church and government.
At time of writing Joel was an honorary canon at St Paul's Cathedral, and visiting fellow with St John's College Durham, where he was completing a doctoral programme.
We are so grateful to Joel for his friendship with Christian Aid and faithful service to God. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.