Oppression

Solomon, the wise, was quite perceptive about the human condition. Some of the truths that he shares in Ecclesiastes are sobering.

For example, Solomon observed: So I again considered all the oppression that continually occurs on earth. This is what I saw: the oppressed were in tears, but no one was comforting them; no one delivers them from the power of their oppressors (Ecclesiastes 4:1 NET).

The oppression that Solomon spoke of still exists today: human trafficking, labor problems and dysfunctional families. The oppressed are still in tears. And few people are comforting them.

Fortunately, God has also observed this condition.

The psalmist reveals that God has not only observed but he tells us this: O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble and oppressed; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to hear, To vindicate and obtain justice for the fatherless and the oppressed, So that man who is of the earth will no longer terrify them (Psalm 10:17-18 AMP).

We are promised that God sees us, hears us, and will obtain justice for the fatherless and oppressed. He will provide for the oppressed.

The God who sees longs for us to join Him in seeing, hearing and obtaining justice for the fatherless and oppressed. He wants us to bring comfort to them. He wants us to be His instruments to deliver them from the power of their oppressors so that they will no longer be terrified.

Do you see the oppression that Solomon saw and God sees? Do you seek to comfort the fatherless and oppressed?

If so, continue to serve God by serving others. If not, ask God to open your eyes and show you paths to help them. For…

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

(From “Oh, Holy Night”)

By LaRaine Rice

LaRaine is the Communications Coordinator for Orphan Care Alliance. She has the joy of teaching the 6^th grade girls on Sunday morning. Her awesome husband is Jeff, and she is the proud mother of Christopher and Elizabeth.