We began by learning that men and women are made in the image of God, and when we are oppressed or harmed, we can “cry out”, and God will hear us. As our Bible readings move into Exodus, you’ll learn about another key biblical justice concept – God comes to the rescue!
Key Justice Scripture
"And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." Exodus 3:9,10
This Week’s Reading Plan
- Exodus 1 to 18
- Psalms 17 to 22
As you read, meditate, and discuss, take note of what these scriptures teach you about justice.
Bible Project’s “One Year Reading Plan”
Justice Resources
? Book
“Evil and the Justice of God” by NT Wright (Amazon / YouTube commercial)
Why doesn’t a just God wipe out evil? Where is the rescuer that Exodus describes? Why does he allow humans to harm each other?
These are the questions theologian NT Wright grapples with in his helpful book. Even though it’s a heavy subject, it’s a breezy read. I absorbed it during a vacation as one of the first books I read about justice. Wright’s handling of the subject helped frame my ongoing study.
I highly recommend picking this book up.
? Podcast
Is God fair in how he delivers justice? And how should we understand God’s anger? Tim Mackie and the Bible Project crew grapple with those questions in several in-depth podcast episodes about God’s anger.
In their “Character of God” podcast series, episodes 5-11 deal with these concepts.
In one revealing episode, Mackie admits that the judgment of God that some fear, is a welcome prayer for some who are being oppressed, even today, in his own city of Portland.
If you don’t have time to listen to 6 hours of a podcast, watch the Bible Project’s video on “Slow to Anger” which summarizes their conversation.
?️Film and ?Book
“Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman: Portrait of an American Hero” by Kate Clifford Larson (Amazon )
One the most well-written biographies I’ve ever read about a person who I thought I already knew a lot about.
This book not only details Ms. Tubman’s work freeing slaves as part of the Underground railroad, but also her work as a Civil War spy, nurse, and even commander of a raid.
The book treats seriously Ms. Tubman’s faith in God and examines the roots of her theology. The questions NT Wright and Tim Mackie grapple with in their books and podcasts, Ms. Tubman lived out in her shrewd and courageous actions.
The biblical justice concept of “God to the Rescue” prompts us to adopt our Creator’s heart and join him in uplifting our forgotten and oppressed neighbors. But also, a deep conviction in God’s ultimate judgment on the last day holds us back from taking vengeance. Ms. Tubman exemplifies that in her life, and this recent biography lays it out well.
The film “Harriet” covers the early parts of Harriet Tubman’s life, and also heavily features her faith. (Watch the trailer / find the movie / listen to the soundtrack)
I enjoyed the book and film a lot, and now Ms. Tubman is a personal hero of mine.
Last Week
In week 2 of Justice Year we learned that when a human is oppressed or is murdered it matters deeply to God, no matter what their status is in our society.
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