The Silent Voices

I recently had the privilege of watching a video presentation of Bono speaking about the Justice Campaign and his vision to eradicate poverty in the world. He made some pointed and accurate assessments I believe. He said throughout history the church has always been behind the curve. In every era we have initially shunned the lepers. Our current day battle of course is poverty and Aids. It isn't difficult to see that much of the church has judged those with aids and closed our eyes to those in poverty. Jesus cared for the lepers. Christ put the poor at the head of the table while many of us have put them out of our minds.

Have you noticed the Lord has always sent prophetic voices that are outside of our comfort zones. They don't fit the picture we have in mind for God's spoke person. John the Baptist was a radical locus eating, fur wearing enigma. Think about Jeremiah, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King and many others. Could it be the reason is that a well dressed man in a Pinstripe suit would hardly make us take notice. He would be more likely to be mowed down. However, the more obtrusive, unpolished vessels he often chooses are more like a splash of cold water in the face to jar us from our lackadaisical slumber.

We need to be awaken from our apathy and look for ways to make a difference. Lord, forgive us for our hardheartedness. Break our hearts with the things that break your heart and then cause us to take action!