By Rev. Bruce

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) 8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Have you ever “spoken up” for those that are being trampled upon? It sounds like the right thing to do, but it is full of danger. You will also find it inconvenient, uncomfortable, and emotional. People will attack you, say all manner of evil against you, and dismiss you as “naïve”. Yet when I look at the example set by Jesus, this is exactly what I see: I see one who spoke up against the tyranny of the elite and the cowardice of the mighty. He elevated women to equality with men, he welcomed the poor into his inner circle, and he touched those that others rejected and had discarded. The inclusivity of all classes of people at this level had never been seen before.

And quite frankly, it is not often seen in the world today either. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated his love for us…” How does one demonstrate love? It is by action such as standing up for people who can’t speak for themselves, by being willing to put your reputation, your money, your very life on the line. But read on! Romans 5:8 tells us who he demonstrated his love for. It was for sinners; people who didn’t have it all together, Individuals who were troubled, and people of bad reputation.

Recently when I was in Ohio, I had the opportunity to go back to my high school and watch the musical Newsies. One of the songs from that music was Seize the Day. Here are the lyrics: “Open the gates and seize the day Don’t be afraid and don’t delay nothing can break us no one can make us give our rights away arise and seize the day! Now is the time to seize the day. Send out a call and join the fray. Wrongs will be righted if we’re united let us seize the day! Friends of the friendless seize the day Raise up the torch and light the way Proud and defiant we’ll slay the giant let us seize the day! Neighbor to Neighbor Father to son one for all and all for one Open the gates and seize the day Don’t be afraid and don’t delay Nothing can break us, no one can make us give our rights away neighbor to neighbor father to son one for all and all for one”

It is OUR Time to Seize the day and WE MUST Stand Together with God’s Love!