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Being A Voice For Justice 

As you’ll see in today’s reading, the book of Esther is all about her advocating for her people when a breach of justice occurs. We know that when the kingdom of God has come in its fullness, there will be no breaches of justice. 

Esther’s advocacy was inspired by the call of those in oppression; she answered by challenging the injustice. But advocacy is not justice. The picture of justice we see in Scripture is a prerequisite for shalom - a time when all brokenness is made right. 

The word shalom appears in the Bible more than 250 times. Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, is understood to mean completeness and wholeness. 

When you read what biblical writers say about shalom, it soon becomes clear that shalom requires justice. In the absence of justice, we are not truly flourishing; in the absence of justice, shalom is impaired. Shalom goes beyond justice but always includes it. 

Justice is, you might say, the ground floor of shalom. 

Justice happens when relationships are healed: between people; between people and God; between people and systems; between people and creation; as well as one’s own relationship with self.

When is comes to advocacy, we can recognize this unique calling while still embracing the other things God calls us to in a lifestyle of justice. And we use our voices because we know where there is justice, there will be shalom.

Prayer:

Lord, give me courage to take risks the way Esther did, and to challenge injustice. Even if it is at great cost to me. Help me to steward my voice and advocate for justice. Be with our government and leaders who make major decisions that impact people all over the world. Give them wisdom, tenderness, and sensitivity to the cries of those living in poverty.