Protect the Vulnerable... Afflict the Comfortable. Exodus 21-22; Matthew 26

May the mumbling commence!

There is no doubt.  God calls us to care for the vulnerable in our midst.  Among these people are foreigners in our midst.  Read a verse from Exodus chapter twenty-two:

"Do not oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Verse 21)

Gaining the upper hand is NOT an invitation to abuse power.  Remember when you were once vulnerable… foreigners in a strange land.  Remember and deal with those vulnerable in your midst.  It is this thought that was on Jesus’ mind when he cleansed the Temple.  The outer court was where the Gentiles and foreigners were meant to worship God… but how could they when it was a bustling marketplace? 

It was in this context that Jesus uttered the words “Destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days.”  And it was this testimony that came up at his trial before the Sanhedrin.  Read from Matthew chapter twenty-six:

Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death.  But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, there was no testimony they could use. Finally, two men were found who declared, "This man said, 'I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'" 

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Well, aren't you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?" 

But Jesus remained silent. (Verses 59-63a) 

In our dealings with people, let us speak boldly in defense of the vulnerable in our midst.  And let us deal with the corrupted power structures with mute silence and steady resolve… willing to take the punishment for our supposed transgressions.

May we inspire others to heed the call of the Lord to protect the vulnerable and afflict the comfortable.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out