“Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream!” Amos 5:24 tells us that God’s heart for justice is desperate to cover the earth. Justice is like a mighty rushing river with tumultuous waves rolling on and on. The Nile River itself was a prophetic symbol of justice for the Israelites. It carried the groans and cries of the oppressed, brokenhearted and enslaved.

The journey to justice is never easy. I believe we are living in a time of history right now where justice is at the forefront of everyone’s hearts and minds. 2020 was prophesied by many to be year of clear vision, repentance and personally for me, a year of advocating for the Bible. With a pandemic in our midst and racial tension at an all-time high, we are seeing almost every city, state & country seeking justice in solidarity. God has truly planned for such a time as this to expose the hearts of modern day Pharaohs. Just like God removed power from Pharaoh in Exodus, I believe he is removing that same power from leaders of injustice today. Justice has come and is here to stay.

God’s heart for justice has always been clear in the Bible. The book of Exodus has justice and injustice weaved in and out of the storyline. The Israelites were living in a time when Pharaoh had power and greed over everything, and the result of that was slavery and oppression. Exodus 2:23 says, “During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.”

God sees, hears and knows the groans of his people. He doesn’t ignore those who cry out, even the ones advocating on their behalf.

If we follow the storyline of Exodus, we see injustice and Pharaoh fall to the ground. Plagues, signs and wonders and the persistence of the Israelites cannot keep him in power. When God called Moses to lead his people out, he was very reluctant to the call. Moses, a Hebrew boy himself, even argued with God about being the one to save his people. He didn’t feel confident, saying, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” I feel like Moses at times, timid and scared of what to say but knowing I absolutely have to speak.

Speaking up for something you believe in is never easy.

Regardless of how Moses felt, God chose him anyways. We don’t have to be the most eloquent and gifted or even have a position of leadership to call out and seek justice in our world. The most powerful tool we’ve been given is our voice. If we start the conversation in our hearts and open it up in our homes, the ripple effect will be like a mighty rushing river, rolling out into our communities. We absolutely have the tools to fight the modern Pharaohs of today. Our role might be to lead a diversity discussion group, to educate ourselves, to amplify black voices, to give money to organizations or to protest in the streets. However, the key to successful justice & peace making is to stay in your lane. Whatever God has entrusted you with, will help everyone carry the fight.

One of the biblical mandates given to every believer is to actively seek justice. We are given this responsibility because it points to the heart and soul of Jesus, someone who cared deeply about injustice. I believe the church is experiencing a deep beckoning & awakening and we are ALL called to be part of it! The journey to justice isn’t about time, it’s about heart conviction. It will be hard and grueling at times and you will have to sacrifice people’s opinions and thoughts, but it will be worth it. Stay in your lane.

Journey to Justice Tools:

*prayer + the word of God

*conversations at the table

*using your authentic-self when you fight

*actively seeking justice each day, it’s not a season

*educating yourself through books, movies, shows & podcasts

*staying in your lane (meaning use your gifts & talents to advocate)

*your VOICE is the most valuable tool

Biblical Principle:

God’s heart is for the lost, broken-hearted & oppressed. He hears the cries of his people!

Biblical Challenge:

Identify the injustices around you. Start with your city, country and then the world. Name at least one that you can get behind and actively pursue using your gifts & talents. Write out a plan and get started on your journey to justice!