This is the first posting of a blog about my experience, my working through the theology, my efforts to follow God’s calling to hear the cry of the oppressed in my world. This began when I first listen to Rob Bell’s, “The New Exodus” series. This is a compelling, life changing reading of the Old Testament which echoes profoundly in the new. Ultimately, Rob characterizes God as the God who hears the cry of the oppressed.
Over the course of this blog I want to do two things. I want to continue to flesh out what it means to hear the cry of the oppressed. I want to explore what it means to follow the Jesus who prays, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done ON EARTH as it is in heaven.” Secondly, I want to share my experience as I try to live this out by ministering to homeless people who live near the office where I work.
What is driving me is the belief that the church should not be just concerned with oppressed peoples spiritual needs, but their physical needs as well. Things like dignity, shelter, food, clothes, love, education, are basic things that every person needs but not every person gets. It seems that no matter what, my brother was going to succeed. In many ways, it is just who he is. But I on the other hand struggled to find my place in this world, if that makes any sense. If it were not for some great men who reached out and guided me, I could easily be in some bad places. And regardless, I always knew that no matter how bad I messed up, my family would always be there to help me get back on my feet. A lot of people don’t have that kind of support. In my opinion, for those who don’t… the church should be Jesus for them. No matter how long it takes, no matter how many times they mess up, the body of Christ ought to be there to love them, serve them, and support them.
It is my intention to be that for 6 or so homeless people in live and beg out side the doors of my office is south
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