Systems of all types are at the core of many things that we have implemented as a society to make every level from the highest institution in government to how products and services work. There are natural systems for example the weather, the way that plants and other living organisms work together in beneficial relationships, to biological systems in our bodies that keep us functioning well. There are mechanical systems, technological systems, medical, financial, educational, legal, and justice systems that we depend on to work as they were designed to work, with all outcomes supporting the greater good for us all. But what happens when a system is broken? When a family is split? When justice is not served? When these things happen we often do not see the result until much later down the road when it is virtually too late. By the time we detect that the system is not working, reports of corruption, criminality, abuse of power/influence, and so many other tell-tale signs rise to the surface for all to see. Whether it is an individual person or a whole nation, when the system is broken fixing it, or at least remediation are the best solutions. Now here is the dilemma: Where we are as human beings in a modern world, full of technology and information, how to get everyone to agree that a specific system is broken and engage in meaningful dialog that generates solutions and remediates the damages. In this day and age, many people will look at the same set of facts and interpret them differently. Many people who believe that they can discern the truth from a lie, but still fail to do so and not only believe the lie, they also spread it to others. We are living in a time where so many people can repeat a falsehood and give consideration to it, until it becomes the foundation of their beliefs. If these broken, defiled, and corrupted systems are not restored, what will become of us, and more importantly what will become of future generations?
First I want to acknowledge that speaking on, writing about, or making any type of expression regarding an issue, does not fix the issue. So the intent of this blog is not to be the solution, but to spark the conversations, the dialog, and the interest for those that have the potential to be the solution, individually and collectively. There are a lot of things that seem irreparably broken right now: The Law Enforcement System, the Educational System, and so many others, however pointing out all that is wrong is only helpful to raise awareness. When these systems remain broken corruption sets in and injustice occurs for those hoping to use the system(s) as designed. It is time to go uphold the standard of the Lord and use this as the measure by which we seek to correct, mend, mitigate, and recalibrate the systems that are broken everywhere that we encounter them.
5 He appointed judges throughout the land in each of the fortified cities of Judah, 6 instructing them, “Be careful when you pass judgment. You aren’t dispensing justice by merely human standards but for the Lord, who is with you. 7 Therefore, respect the Lord and act accordingly, because there can be no injustice, playing favorites, or taking bribes when it comes to the Lord our God.” – 2 Chronicles 19:5-7
What we are seeing globally in many of the broken governmental institutions, and other levels and variety of leadership is leading, ruling, and governing without discretion for the people that follow them, the design of the position and institution that they were appointed to, and reducing the responsibilities of leadership to games and personal agendas. In a day and age where genocide, domestic terror attacks, culture wars, and all manner of tom-foolery is being propagated and instigated by the people in the highest governing postions of government, media, the judicial systems, and law enforcement is a clear signal that a change needs to happen quickly for the betterment of all. It is easy to get riled up and want to tear down something because you feel like that institution or system is not working as intended or not not benefiting the people that need it the most. However, what benefit is there to tear down something without having a standard to rebuild towards? For example: Now that corruption has been exposed at the highest level of the US Judicial system and the appointed US Justices (judges) seem uninterested in having a standard that they can be accountable apart from themselves, are “We the People ” just going to sit by and accept this?
Even after all of the protests against excessive violence towards people of color from Law Enforcement on every level (Federal, State, City/Local), there are still reports of violent and aggressive handling of people of color during mental/emotional crisis, mishandling of women of color during traffic stops and any other police interaction, and of course the racial profiling that all people of color, but especially the men, have to endure just to accomplish everyday tasks as they move about throughout society. There are many injustices that continue to occur, where because of qualified immunity for police officers, officers commit all types of atrocities towards people and walk away punishment free, job and pension still intact while those who have been abused by them lose big. This is unjust, yes the issue has been called out, but in an election year what are we going to do about it?
We have elected members of the US House of Representatives, and the US Senate who have no intention of getting legislation passed that would make life better for their constituents and for ALL of the US citizens that they are in office to serve. These career politicians waste time holding frivolous sessions that they know are not going to result in a law being passed and stir up culture wars in the media, and at the end of their terms have the nerve to decide to run again for the same position after they have spent years accomplishing nothing. If you went to a restaurant and came prepared with money to spend and time to sit and enjoy a meal, but when you arrived all the staff did was talk to you about what dish you should or shouldn’t order and never served you anything, would you continue to patronize that establishment? So why does this happen with politicians? Why is there so much support for politicians that sit up in the US Congress and intentionally vote against bills that would benefit their constituents and all Americians, but then try to take credit for the awesome benefits to their state when the bill is passed? This is the information age, and yes I understand that there is “Fake News” out there and all of that, but God gave you intelligence and enough common sense to know when someone is trying to “pull the wool over your eyes,” and deceive you. Even if you are not that knowledgeable on these topics, there are ways to get the information that you need to make a good decision on what you should believe or not. This does not take “blind faith” and undying allegiance to any political figure to know the difference between right and wrong, just and unjust, good and evil, and yes constitutional and unconstitutional. With all of the corruption that has already been exposed throughout these levels of leadership, our tolerance of corrupt politicians can no longer be the standard that we measure political success by.
Rescue the weak and needy;
Rescue them from the hand of the wicked.
The rulers do not know nor do they understand;
They walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction];
All the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles of the administration of justice] are shaken. – Psalm 82:4-5
The attitude towards people in need and how “hard earned tax money” is spent needs to be readjusted in this country. As one of the richest and most prosperous nations on the planet, the US has staggering levels of homelessness, child hunger, and people (some with jobs) living below the poverty line. Yes, the year 2020 and the COVID pandemic did a number on our economy, we saw food and supplies shortages, business closures, and inflation rise. While it does appear that the economy overall is starting to get closer to what it was like pre-pandemic, the mass evictions, land and property grabs, gentrification of previously affordable neighborhoods, and lack of affordable housing options are forcing more and more people, including children, on to the streets. When did it become ok to despise these people and make sure that once they hit rock bottom that they stay there? Not every unhoused person is a drug addict, criminal, prostitute, or mentally disturbed. Most of these people have traumas of losing all their possessions, being turned away by loved ones, and diminishing self worth. They are ashamed, embarrassed, and more than likely depressed from whatever downturn in their lives that brought them to live like this. Even when they get materials to make some type of shelter or encampment, the city and law enforcement take what little they have, throw it out and move them out of that place. Why is this celebrated? Is it because those are not your family members? Or because they are not your friends? Maybe you think that the only way you have significance with what you have is when those people have nothing. Sure it is not your personal responsibility, by worldly values. But in the Kingdom of Christ there should always be a seat at the table for those who are in need. We should care about any human being that needs assistance, not just because it is the right and godly thing to do, but real talk – you never know when or if it could be YOU. If it were you on the streets facing the elements, with no safe place to sleep. Not knowing the next time that you would eat or have any type of income and no help, I am pretty sure that you would care about this issue. I am not saying that handouts and covering the issues with empty promises is the way. I am saying that collectively we can work together to help those who present themselves to be helped and to work on measures to assist people before homelessness is their only option. Yes, this will take sacrifice and even spending some tax dollars to mitigate this problem. Also attitudes and expectations will need to be adjusted, because a situation that has been decades in the making is not necessarily going to be fixed overnight. There are awesome organizations working towards providing solutions, sow into them (investigate and research them 1st if you must), or volunteer. If you run a ministry, seek the Lord on how you can participate with Him to help those in need. You don’t have to be rich or well connected to be part of the solution. If you are not in the position to give, atleast change your attitude towards people in need. Treat them with respect, talk to them as the Children of God that they are or have potential to be. Pray for and with them if possible, whatever you do, please don’t sit by and do nothing.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. – Psalm 89:14
The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all the oppressed. – Psalm 103:6
Blessed are those who observe justice [by honoring God’s precepts], Who practice righteousness at all times.- Psalm 106:3
The works of His hands are truth and [absolute] justice; All His precepts are sure (established, reliable, trustworthy). – Psalm 111:7
I know [with confidence] that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And [will secure] justice for the poor. – Psalm 140:12
Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them,
Who keeps truth and is faithful forever,
Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets free the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the [a]righteous [the upright in heart]. – Psalm 146:6-8
“By me kings reign And rulers decide and decree justice. – Proverbs 8:15
Appetite for Justice – The desired fast.
A few weeks ago many of us did as we normally do and started off the year with a fast. We turned down our plates, we made plans for the year, and we were determined to hear from the Lord. There are many good, righteous, and holy reasons to do a spiritual fast (meaning not just abstaining from food, but also praying and studying the Word). One benefit is increased self-control or “willpower” to accomplish difficult goals, another one is hearing from the Lord – receiving directions, ideas, encouragement, etc. to direct your life. Of course other big benefits from fasting include spiritual strength and breakthroughs in challenging areas of your life. All of that is great, but Isaiah 58:6-11 outlines what a time of fasting that pleases the Lord should be like.
“[Rather] is this not the fast which I choose,
To undo the bonds of wickedness,
To tear to pieces the ropes of the yoke,
To let the oppressed go free
And break apart every [enslaving] yoke?
7
“Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not to hide yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?
8
“Then your light will break out like the dawn,
And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth;
Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity],
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression],
The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech,
10
And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry
And satisfy the [a]need of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
11
“And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:6-11 (AMP)
What Isaiah has described in the above verses, is that when we properly fast and dedicate that time and sacrifice to God, we will emerge from it with a new hunger – not for food, possessions, or power – we will have a hunger for divine justice! The best part is that we will have the instincts and wisdom on how to work along with God to execute justice in our sphere of influence. I can’t tell you all of the ways that we can be the hands of Justice to people we know and even ones that we will never meet. I think that many of us, especially those who have been called to ministry, but do not know where or how to start, start here- dedicate yourself to the Lord to execute His Justice as He leads and guides. Many of you have the desire to do more for your community, for those in need, or maybe have aspirations for political service. Stop questioning if it is God and start working towards it. Use wisdom of course, and employ common sense, but know that what God may ask you to do may not be common or look like good sense to those around you. However, you will never see the promise of the Lord if you do not at least try (diligently). What’s the worst thing that could happen? If you miss God, at least you will know that you are not graced for that endeavor, you will be that much closer to what your actual purpose and gifts are. If you look ridiculous, join the club! Resolve to be like King David and be even more “undignified” than whatever you did. Pray and consecrate yourself unto God, and recognize that you will be different from other people. Don’t let anything keep you from being a justice bearer of the Lord in this season. You read the scripture, and you know that this pleases the Lord, so seek to please the Lord higher than other people, and even yourself and Go For It!
Thank you for reading this blog post, if you know someone that would appreciate content like this please share and spark this conversation in your neighborhood, city, or nation! Then let the strategies be implemented and not blocked or sabotaged in Jesus’ name Amen!
Human being, you have already been told what is good, what Adonai demands of you — no more than to act justly, love grace and walk in purity with your God. – Micah 6:8
Blessings Always,
Dionne Renae ♥♥♥
Lessons 'n Blessings 