Daily Devotion
Scripture of the Day
You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry. (
Exodus 22:21-23)
Reflection
God hears the cries of those who suffer. God takes the side of the oppressed, not the oppressor. On the surface, that may not seem surprising. But consider it: God takes sides. God stands with the most vulnerable against those who take advantage of their power. This is true whatever the nature of that power — gender, race, economics, religion, education. The instruction is therefore given to protect the outcast and remember: we were all once outcasts; we were all once vulnerable.
Prayer
Liberating God, where I am vulnerable be my guard. Where I am powerful restrain me from abusing others. Where I am weak be my strength. Where I am strong humble my ego. Where I am unable to survive rescue me. Where I am full send me to be of use in the liberation of your people. Amen.