By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - NIV
This was part the advice to king Lamuel from his mother. Kings and all those trusted with power and authority, and make decisions that affect many others should heed this call. There are many vulnerable in society who are marginalised, cannot speak for themselves, destitute, poor and needy. They are powerless and need others to defend and speak for them.
In His justice and righteousness, God is so concerned about such people. They include widows, orphans, children, poor, disabled, strangers, homeless, aged, etc. One of the key indicators of a just society is the care given to those categories of people. God rebuked the leaders and priests in Israel for, among other things, failing to care for the powerless. It’s unfortunate that some leaders and privileged take advantage of such in our world today to enrich themselves by oppressing the powerless!
We all find ourselves in one way or another, in position to help someone else in need, poor, voiceless or marginalised. Feeling for them, and being ready to help, is part of God’s heart of compassion and love for His people. Commit yourself to defend the powerless against the arrogant mighty who want to crush them.
Proverbs 29:7 "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern."
James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
Shalom children of God.