There was no one to intervene

How many times have you watched the news or read an article in the paper, and you said to yourself, "I can't believe no one did anything?" Someone is attacked in public; passersby simply give a glance and continue on their way. Someone knows of an abuse or neglect, yet never says a word to anyone.

Perhaps you have found yourself in a similar situation. How could this be happening? Did I really hear what I thought I heard? I should do something! I should stop this! I should tell someone! I should intervene! Well...it's really none of my business. I shouldn't get involved with this. It really has nothing to do with me. I'll probably just make it worse. Surely someone else will do something!

Everyday things happen that shouldn't, and no one says a thing. No one takes action. No one gets involved. No one intervenes.

I was profoundly moved this week by the words of the prophet Isaiah: The Lord saw it and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene: so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him. (Isaiah 59:15b-16)

In this passage the prophet tells of the oppression of God's people, the injustices done to them, and yet, no one does anything. No one speaks on their behalf. No one comes to their aid. No one seeks justice for them. No one was willing to intervene. The Lord in frustration, and I'm sure anger and disappointment, seems to say, "Fine, if you won't do anything for my people, I'll just do it myself!" The Lord takes up the fight for justice because he could find no human to assist. No one willing to take a stand. No one willing to get involved.

Our faith calls us, no - requires us, to get involved. The Gospel clearly mandates justice for all people: rich and poor, young and old, neighbor and stranger. But, justice does not happen by itself. God calls us to be active participants in the work for justice. Yesterday, I read an article challenging us to be more actively engaged in our faith. The author noted, "What we have, by and large is believers when what we need...is practitioners." We need, God needs, the world needs fewer believers and more practitioners. Belief is great, but faith without works is dead. (James 14:26)

May we hear the call of the oppressed. May we respond to the pursuit of justice. May we have the courage and fortitude to move beyond belief by putting our faith into action. And may a prophet of God never have to say again, "The Lord saw it and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene."

In Christ,

Paul+