The Bible Speaks - Words of Inspiration - Speaking Up

[00:00:00] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:07] Let us pray, bread together on our knees

[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun

[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the need

[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock

[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International

[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's word

[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast

[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin

[00:00:46] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ

[00:00:52] To another edition of Words of Inspiration

[00:00:56] And today, we are going to have a discussion on the topic of speaking up

[00:01:04] Our spiritual inspiration is Micah, Chapter 2, Verses 1-2 and verse 11

[00:01:16] And they read

[00:01:26] When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it

[00:01:35] When you want someone's house, you take it by fraud or violence

[00:01:40] You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family's inheritance

[00:01:45] Verse 11

[00:01:47] If a liar and deceiver comes and says, I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer

[00:01:54] That would be just the profit for this people

[00:01:59] In keeping with our theme of spiritual growth, as we grow in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ

[00:02:07] Repent from our sinful ways

[00:02:10] We are well on our way to bringing God to level of glory and honor we are called to

[00:02:16] But that is only part of our responsibility

[00:02:20] In Matthew 22, verse 39, Jesus tells his disciples that we must love our neighbors as ourselves

[00:02:28] To do so, we must be willing to stand in the gap for those who are being exploited, misled and misinformed

[00:02:37] Chapter 2 paints a bleak picture of Judah marked by social and moral decay driven by the powerful at the expense of the weak

[00:02:48] The prophet's message is a stern rebuke of these conditions, highlighting the need for justice and integrity

[00:02:56] While warning of the dire consequences if the society fails to reform its ways

[00:03:02] Micah condemns the leaders of Judah for their role in planning and executing schemes of injustice

[00:03:09] Particularly against the poor and vulnerable

[00:03:12] In verses 1 through 2, he accuses them of coveting fields and seizing them

[00:03:17] And taking houses away from their rightful owners

[00:03:21] This description points to a society where the powerful exploit the weak and legal and economic abuses are widespread

[00:03:29] Carried out under the cover of night or the first light of dawn, indicating premeditation and deceit

[00:03:38] We don't have to look very far to find instances of families being taken advantage of because of their ignorance or on different issues

[00:03:47] I was recently told of a family that owned several acres in an area that was once pastures in farmland

[00:03:54] But the recent development of the area caused a significant increase in property value

[00:04:00] The family was approached by a firm who offered them a very large sum of money for the property, which they accepted

[00:04:07] However that price was a third of what the property was actually worth

[00:04:12] And the buyer turned around and sold the property for above market rate because he knew the man made that possible

[00:04:19] I'm an entrepreneur and businessman and have no problem with trying to maximize profits

[00:04:27] But I can only assume that the property was purchased in cash, so an appraisal was in order

[00:04:34] Which is a standard practice for finance deals

[00:04:38] There are those who would say the family should be happy with what they received because it was a lot of money

[00:04:44] But justice was not done and we as the body of Christ should say so

[00:04:50] Micah speaks out against those who would use their power to oppress others

[00:04:55] This abuse of power is not limited to economic exploitation

[00:04:59] It also includes the displacement of people from their homes and heritage

[00:05:05] Effectively breaking down the family structure and community stability

[00:05:09] This results in significant social disruption and suffering

[00:05:15] We are seeing this with gentrification of neighborhoods throughout the US

[00:05:19] While gentrification in of itself is not bad

[00:05:23] The practices of increasing the property taxes and rents to move out one economic class

[00:05:29] In exchange for another without providing a solution for those displaced

[00:05:35] That is abuse

[00:05:38] Micah also addresses false prophets who tell him not to prophesy such harsh things

[00:05:46] These false prophets promote a message of complacency and deny the impending judgment

[00:05:53] Which contrite sharply with Micah's urging call to confront the reality of sin

[00:05:59] And the necessity of repentance

[00:06:02] The internet has provided us an opportunity to access more information than ever before in an instant

[00:06:09] However, it does not come with a warning label

[00:06:13] There is nothing to protect the unsuspecting from receiving a word from someone who does not have their best interest at heart

[00:06:21] There are those who the Word of God is simply a way of generating revenue

[00:06:26] From those who do not have a deep understanding of God's Word

[00:06:30] Or have not released those things that keep them from that relationship

[00:06:35] These false prophets, preachers, bishops and other titles

[00:06:40] Pray on those who have ears for support for what they want to do

[00:06:45] Even though it may be contrary to God's will

[00:06:48] In response to these injustices, Micah warns of imminent divine retribution

[00:06:55] He delivers a message from God that the very crimes the corrupt leaders commit

[00:07:01] Stripping others of their peace and possessions will be turned against them

[00:07:06] In verses 3 and 4 of chapter 2

[00:07:10] The Lord promises that disaster will fall upon them

[00:07:14] And they will no longer walk with their heads held high as a symbol of their shame and defeat

[00:07:21] So I guess you're wondering what we're supposed to do if God said he will deal with the corrupt

[00:07:27] While that is true, there is an accountability for the body as well

[00:07:32] As believers, God placed us on earth to have dominion

[00:07:36] So that means we are to infiltrate all level of society

[00:07:40] And set a God's standard in every facet of life from schools to business

[00:07:46] Proverbs 31 verses 8 through 9 instructs

[00:07:51] Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

[00:07:54] For the rights of all who are destitute

[00:07:57] Speak up and judge fairly

[00:07:59] Defend the rights of the poor and needy

[00:08:02] Isaiah 1 verse 17 echoes this sentiment

[00:08:08] By reading, learn to do right, seek justice

[00:08:13] Defend the oppress, take up the cause of the fatherless

[00:08:17] Plead the case of the widow

[00:08:20] Matthew 7, 15 through 16 warns

[00:08:24] Watch out for false prophets

[00:08:26] They come to you in sheep's clothing

[00:08:29] But inwardly they are ferocious wolves

[00:08:32] By their fruit, you will recognize them

[00:08:36] So brothers and sisters, God expects believers to actively seek justice

[00:08:41] Speak out for the oppressed

[00:08:43] Hold leaders accountable for their actions

[00:08:46] And maintain personal and communal integrity

[00:08:49] These expectations are foundational to creating and sustaining a community

[00:08:54] That reflects God's righteousness and love

[00:08:58] I thank you again for joining me on today

[00:09:01] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow

[00:09:04] Until then, God bless

[00:09:25] And I look forward to hearing from you

[00:09:28] And invite you to write us at Harvest International

[00:09:32] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:09:37] Again, that's Harvest International

[00:09:40] Post Office Box 6690 Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:09:46] Come in, home

[00:09:52] Come in, home

[00:09:56] Never