The coming King Thursday 20 December 2007

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. Isaiah 11:3-4

Being anointed with the Spirit of God will have inevitable effects on the way the king treats people. This seems to say to me that the King will not judge on appearances, stereotypes and what others say about people but will treat people all on equal terms. Throughout the bible God is especially concerned for the oppressed, the poor and needy. Unlike our society, God will not discriminate against people on grounds of gender, race, age or anything else that society uses to define those it doesn’t want to include. And God’s king will work for justice.

When we look at Jesus, we often find him with people on the margins of society who others don’t have time for. These are the people Jesus always makes time for, affirming them; assuring them of God’s love. This is very odd behaviour for a King: not only is he amongst his people, he is positively seeking out the least desirable (in society’s view) and making them his friends.

We can rejoice that the King of Kings has called us his friends but his lifestyle and teaching must surely challenge us. What am I doing about social justice? Who do I discriminate against? Who are the poor and needy and what are we doing for them?

We’re very fortunate at St. Matthew’s that we have a ready made project at Casa Re’om to get involved with, helping us to help the “poor and needy”. Ask yourself are you doing all you can to help Pastor Bonga and the boys. Could you give more this Christmas?

We are being given more opportunities to help show God’s love for the disadvantaged through the soup kitchen, Fair trade and prison groups to name a few. This Christmas as we welcome the spirit into our lives again let’s look for opportunities to reach out in loving action in the name and love of Jesus.