Revelation of the Word:

THEME: OPPRESSION OF THE POOR

Matthew 5:10–12 NIV

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

INSIGHT

-Many Christians are oppressed and persecuted all over the world. In more than fifty nations including and not limited to Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, China, reading and owning the Bible is illegal. Other nations like Senegal, Congo, children are forced to join militia groups at a young age for the benefit of a few. The Lord reminds us to pray for these children and all persecuted Christians all over the world. It is vital to note that, those who are persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Further, those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake are also blessed for great is their reward in heaven. So we should hold fast to our faith if we are persecuted for the sake of the Lord, and pray for all the persecuted brethren.

SUMMARY

Oppression of the poor and treating them unjustly is a problem that has been addressed by the Lord in various scriptures. It was a prevalent practice in the Biblical times and it is visible in all nations today. It can occur in diverse ways as have evaluated previously. Jeremiah 7:5-7 notes oppression of foreigners, the fatherless, widows and shedding of innocent blood.  Isaiah 10:1–4 emphasizes on the discrimination of the rights of the poor, robbing the needy of justice, treating the widows and fatherless unjustly. 1 Samuel 8:10–19 reveals oppression of the poor by king Saul who would make their sons serve with his chariots and horses and run in front of his chariots, plow his ground and reap his harvest, make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. Their daughters would be perfumers, cooks and bakers in his administration. He would take the best of their fields, vineyards, olive groves and give them to his attendants. He would take a tenth of their grain and of their vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. He would also take their male and female servants and the best of their cattle and donkeys for his own use. He would also possess a tenth of their flocks, and thus make the poor his slaves because they refused to follow God’s wisdom and pursed their own personal desires. Rehoboam king of Israel sort for advise from the young men in a critical response to the welfare of Israel after his father Solomon. The people asked, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Rehoboam responded saying, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’ The people rejected him and killed him, and placed Jeroboam in his place (1 Kings 12:1-21). King Nebuchadnezzar captured Jerusalem and took men belonging to the royal families, nobility and other intelligent men to serve in his palace (Daniel 1:1–6). He instituted punitive policies that would only acknowledge him and worship him, and the Babylonian gods. For defying the kings policies, Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace of fire for failing to worship the golden image, and Jesus saved them (Daniel 3:8-25). Daniel was also thrown into the den of lions for he continued to pray three times a day as his custom despite the new regulation to stop, but the Lord rescued him (Daniel 6:10-23). All leaders are called to lead effectively, with justice and righteousness. King Solomon relied on God’s wisdom and ruled justly (2 Chronicles 1:10). Joshua relied on God’s word and instructions (Joshua 1:1-8). David followed after God’s own heart, totally obeyed Him and always inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8, 1 Samuel 13:1, Acts 13:22). God has a good plan for each of our lives. He has a divine purpose for our lives and calls us to put our trust in Him always.

PRAYER

Almighty Father, we come before You today, thanking You for Your goodness and mercies that are new every morning. Thank you for the peace You have given us and for everything You have done for us and all You have been to us. You are worthy of all our praise, honor and adoration. We humbly ask You to deliver all the persecuted Christians all over the world and increase their faith in You. May You also deliver all the children who have been forced into illegal gangs that You may save them merciful Savior. May You forgive us all our trespasses and heal our wounds. May You heal our nation and show our leaders the way that they should go. We bless Your name and exalt You. We worship You oh Lord and Father. May Your plan for our lives come to pass in Jesus name. May You bless us and keep us Lord. May You make Your face to shine towards us and be gracious unto us. May You turn Your countenance towards us and give us peace. Amen

Further reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Blessed Weekend

https://christ.co.ke