Speaking out

The book Fruitfulness on the Frontline, by Mark Greene urges Christians to see their ordinary lives as their primary place to serve God. Along with Modeling Godly Character and Ministering Grace and Love, Greene points out that there comes a time in everyone’s life when they must be a Mouthpiece for Truth and Justice. The context for speaking out might be quite small, perhaps within one’s own family. King David missed his opportunity more than once. So did Absalom when he learned that his sister, Tamar, was raped.

    She was wearing a long, beautiful robe, as was the custom in those days for the king’s virgin daughters. But now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying.
    Her brother Absalom saw her and asked, “Is it true that Amnon has been with you? Well, my sister, keep quiet for now, since he’s your brother. Don’t you worry about it.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in her brother Absalom’s house.
    When King David heard what had happened, he was very angry. And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister. (2 Samuel 13:18–22)

David knew the truth of the awful wrong done to Tamar by his own son, Amnon, but he said nothing. Absalom her brother also knew, but said nothing and did nothing for two years. Those closest to the situation did not act, and became part of the problem. 

Advocating for justice is popular, even fashionable, in addressing public issues. For most of us the greater issues of justice and truth are played out in our every day lives, and we will have opportunities to speak a timely word. 

What might you need to speak up about?