Living In The Light

April 9, Protecting The Oppressed

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed.
—Psalms 9:9 LL 108.1

In the eyes of the world, Christ was peculiar in some things. Ever a friend of those who most needed His protection, He comforted the needy, and befriended those shunned by the proud and exclusive Jews. The forsaken ones felt His protection, and the convicted, repentant soul was clothed with His salvation. And He required of His subjects that they give aid and protection to the oppressed. No soul that bears the image of God is to be placed at the footstool of human power. The greatest possible kindness and freedom are to be granted to the purchase of the blood of Christ. Over and over again in His teaching, Christ presented the value of true humility, showing how necessary it is that we exercise helpfulness, compassion, and love toward one another. LL 108.2

Professed Christians of today have the example of Christ before them, but do they follow it? Often, by the hardness of their hearts, they make it manifest that they do not belong to the kingdom of Christ. Too many educate themselves to censure and condemn, repulsing with harsh, stinging words, those who may seek their help. But cold-hearted worldliness excludes the love of Jesus from the heart. We can cooperate with Christ in the upbuilding of His kingdom only by being sanctified by His Spirit. We must use no force, take up no weapons to compel obedience; for to do this would be to exhibit the same spirit revealed by the enemies of Christ. LL 108.3

Christ can do nothing for the recovery of humanity until, convinced of their own weakness and stripped of all self-sufficiency and pride, they put themselves under the control of God. Then and then only can they be true subjects of God. No confidence can be placed in human greatness, human intellect, or human plans. We must place ourselves under the guidance of an infinite mind, acknowledging that without Jesus we can do nothing. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” “Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”— Review and Herald, August 18, 1896. LL 108.4

Further Reflection: Christ saw the downcast and downtrodden as worthy of His love and protection. How can Seventh-day Adventist Christians share love for the oppressed in the communities and regions where they live? LL 108.5