Can victims of child abuse expect justice, while some in the legal profession describe them a predatory?
Can people who have no qualifications and little work experience expect to be able to find life-enhancing work in the present economic climate?
How can hope for change lead to change?
These questions lurk in my mind, and drive me to consider the role of followers of Jesus in these bleak times.
But these are not questions unique to our own era.
Over 2500 years ago, life was bleak for faithful followers of The Lord, the God of Israel. But the prophet Isaiah spoke of hope of change. 'The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (Isaiah 9.2,4,6)
Isaiah is clear about the despair and hopelessness of his own times - darkness, slavery, burdens, oppression.
How little has changed for so many.
But our hope is not in human interventions, and the onward march of economic progress. Instead, we look to the intervention of God, as revealed in and through Jesus, to bring light, hope and change.
Words from Jesus confirm what he alone can bring to us. 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11.28-30)
This is a great message to pass on to the many hopeless people we will meet. It is a great word to apply to our own lives too! Thank God for Jesus today!
Best wishes,
Richard
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