HALLEUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2022
WEEK 20: (May 30 – June 4, 2022)
WEEKLY BIBLE READINGS:
Ecclesiastes 4: 1 & Psalm 72: 4 (NIV)
1 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.
INTERPRETATION
The kind of subjugation and oppression witnessed in modern days is not entirely new as it has been in existence right from time immemorial
What then is oppression and at what point are we guilty of it.
Oppression is dealing unjustly or unkindly by a person over whose time, goods, trade, or business the oppressor has power. It is principally the vice of rich men and superiors, who have power over their workmen, servants, tenants, and other inferiors. But it is not confined to them. The poor often meet with very bad, if not the worst, treatment from those who in station and fortune is very little above them.
God does not only hate oppression, it is a sin against Him. In some persons, the practice of this sin proceeds from pride; to show their authority over others, and to keep them in awe. Hence they treat their inferiors as if they were of a lower species, and not worthy of common justice.
Oppression is a high ingratitude and affront to the righteous God. It is ingratitude to Him because He giveth men all their wealth and power over others, and He doth this, not that they may oppress, but protect, relieve, and serve others, and be a blessing to them. It must, therefore, be horrid ingratitude to abuse and pervert these favours to their injury. But what renders it worse is, that He has bestowed upon men spiritual blessings and Christian privileges, and, therefore, to oppress and injure them must be proportionably wicked.
Furthermore, He has placed men in different circumstances in life; “made both the rich and the poor.” He has allotted to men such conditions here that they need one another’s assistance. The rich want the labour of the poor, as the poor want the money of the rich; and God expects that they should help one another, and so contribute to the general happiness. To oppress the poor, then, is defeating the wise and kind design of God’s providence.
Beloved, this is a reminder of God’s love for everyone. Oppression is a no and we are expected to, just as Christ loves the church, love every human, show love and express love. It is detestable inhumanity and cruelty to oppress and directly contrary to the design of the Gospel; which is to promote righteousness, love, peace, and happiness upon earth, as well as to secure the eternal salvation of mankind. God will crush the oppressor. Shun oppression to avoid being crushed by God!
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael, thank you for your love and mercy. Forgive us all our sins and purge our hearts. Teach us to show love to our fellow humans and help us to express love to all. Remove the spirit of oppression and replace it with a heart of kindness. That we may be a true reflection of your divine design and arrangement to secure the eternal salvation of mankind. This and many more we ask for through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thank you and God bless. Shalom.
Footnote: “A life without Christ is full of crisis but life in Christ is a great life full of peace. Let that be your Guide & Guard”
Isaiah 59:1 – Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear”