Read
–10–
10Don't move a boundary marker
or take the land
that belongs to orphans.
11God All-Powerful is there
to defend them against you.
Reflect
Justice is a fundamental human desire. And it is one we like. We quickly focus on ourselves. I should get what is fairly mine. Get what I deserve. I want my rights. But wisdom turns the tale. The centre of focus shifts from us. The weight is now on giving justice.
Do not move the marker. We all know from playing sports you cannot move the goal post. The rules are clear. But when it comes to taking care of the disadvantaged, things get murky. This fundamental biblical message sometimes gets lost. Corporations and governments routinely deceive one another. Today the auto industry is reeling with the consequences of fuel efficiency deception. Yesterday it was the Canadian Senate scandal. And before that the unspeakable cover up of child abuse in parts of the church. Power speaks to power in a zero-sum game.
Against this Proverbs takes the outward focus. We are asked to defend the defenceless. God himself cares for orphans, the fatherless and the widow in society. And so should we. Don’t move the goalposts! Don’t change the rules to favour the rich and the socially powerful. You will find yourself up against God if you do.
The wise focus is outward. And this is hard for us to see. When I ask university students if they are rich or powerful they often chuckle. Of course not! Just look at my student loans. We have a hard time seeing ourselves clearly. And today in consequence we are plagued with an abundance of persons and institutions greedy to acquire more power.
A wise servant looks to defend the helpless. Don’t have a part in unjustly moving the stone. In technical terms, make sure that structural justice is done. If truth and reconciliation is required, then see it through.
Respond
Forgiving father, we come to you in repentance. Our lives are often privileged in ways we do not see. We sometimes take advantage of others’ weakness. Help us to see the vulnerable and defenceless around us. And give us loving hearts to act. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
John Wood
Dr. Wood is Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at The King's University and Dean of the Natural Sciences Faculty. His research is on urban ecology, campus sustainability and food insects. John was born in Japan, grew up on a clear-cut in western Washington State and attended North Park University in Chicago. He has written and spoken widely on caring for creation to church and campus groups. His recent publications include: How Then Shall We Eat? Insect-Eating Attitudes and Sustainable Foodways; Stewarding the gift of land: Christian campuses as land management models; and Sustainable Missions: Ethical Principles for Holistic Practice in a Broken World.