Ah, the need for justice in the world! The arrogance of cruel folks, especially the cruelty of those in power. Cruel judges, cruel bankers, cruel adults who oppress children. What can the normal person do with the powerful folks of the world?
Know what? Sometimes one can do nothing. Oh, deep in my revolutionary heart, I'd like to be able to do something. Write letters, argue with/convince the bill collectors, enlighten those in the medical or educational system, slap some sense into rapist ministers/priests. But, know what? Even if I manage to help one oppressed soul, there are others out there who will continue to be oppressed by other creepy proud folks.
People believe that Christians believe in "pie in the sky by and by." Not really true. Mother Theresa, Archbishop Romero, Desmond Tutu, Lec Walesa etc...were all people who believed in God, a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun. YET they changed the world. No, Folks, religion is not the opiate of the people. (Heck, today, it's more like "lotto is the opiate of the people" or "democracy is the opiate of the people" or "having a black president is the opiate of the people." We black folks believe in changing the human law, "getting the right person in office" etc. But let's face it, certain racial, financial, legal, injustices aren't gonna change no matter who the heck is in president. Mammon, Pride, doesn't give way that easily.
So in this case, I'm not going to be ashamed to say, "God, tear the heavens and come down!" "God, repair this situation and if you can't repair it, destroy the wicked or destroy this worldly system."
"Lord, vengeance belongs to you. Lord knows I'd like to take vengeance in my hand and destroy a few creepy people. But I'd probably not get away with it. I'd probably destroy my soul. I'd probably end up going over the edge in bringing retribution. So, Lord, help me know more and more that you, God, see me. You, God, see all. And help me to rest in the knowledge that the wicked will come to see your light."
Psalm 94
Know what? Sometimes one can do nothing. Oh, deep in my revolutionary heart, I'd like to be able to do something. Write letters, argue with/convince the bill collectors, enlighten those in the medical or educational system, slap some sense into rapist ministers/priests. But, know what? Even if I manage to help one oppressed soul, there are others out there who will continue to be oppressed by other creepy proud folks.
People believe that Christians believe in "pie in the sky by and by." Not really true. Mother Theresa, Archbishop Romero, Desmond Tutu, Lec Walesa etc...were all people who believed in God, a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun. YET they changed the world. No, Folks, religion is not the opiate of the people. (Heck, today, it's more like "lotto is the opiate of the people" or "democracy is the opiate of the people" or "having a black president is the opiate of the people." We black folks believe in changing the human law, "getting the right person in office" etc. But let's face it, certain racial, financial, legal, injustices aren't gonna change no matter who the heck is in president. Mammon, Pride, doesn't give way that easily.
So in this case, I'm not going to be ashamed to say, "God, tear the heavens and come down!" "God, repair this situation and if you can't repair it, destroy the wicked or destroy this worldly system."
"Lord, vengeance belongs to you. Lord knows I'd like to take vengeance in my hand and destroy a few creepy people. But I'd probably not get away with it. I'd probably destroy my soul. I'd probably end up going over the edge in bringing retribution. So, Lord, help me know more and more that you, God, see me. You, God, see all. And help me to rest in the knowledge that the wicked will come to see your light."
Psalm 94
1O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
2Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.
3LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?
4How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?
5They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.
6They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.
7Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.
8Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
9He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
10He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
11The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.
12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
13That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
15But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
16Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
17Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.
19In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
20Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?
21They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
22But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.
23And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
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