Part 1 of 3: Jesus wasn't calling us to a program. He called us to a person—hungry, abandoned, crushed by a system that called itself legal—and asking whether our faith had enough legs to show up.
What an excellent installment full of historical facts and Biblical insights with clearly outlined practical applications. Thank you, Harvey. I am enjoying your work!
I love so many of your "mic drop" lines including, "Are you willing to be seen with the people the system already decided didn't matter?" and "Visiting a prisoner in the first century wasn't just inconvenient. It was socially costly." I was challenged by your call to action when you asked, "Who in your world is waiting for someone to show up? And what would it actually cost you to go?"
I will reflect on this call to action, and, prayerfully, I will act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit in a very real and transformative way.
Harvey, this is so good! Excellent writing, and more importantly, excellent insights and calls to action. So much to think on ... and act upon. Multiple lines really stood out to me: "Are you willing to be seen with the people the system already decided didn’t matter?, "Some people are being ground down by systems that call themselves legal, and showing up for them will cost you something." "All of that was legal. Almost none of it was just." (So well said!) And finally: "Jesus’ question isn’t “do you have a comprehensive policy solution?” It’s simpler and harder: do you notice? And when you notice, do you do something?"
The last line of yours that I just quoted reminds me of something a friend of mine once asked about Jesus' list in Matthew 25: Which of these things can't you do? He went on to point out that Matthew 25 doesn't say, "Thousands were hungry, and you organized a massive feeding program. Or, I was sick, and you healed me. Or, I was in prison, and you used your legal brilliance to get me out." Some people can do those things (and I'm grateful for them!), but the problem is most of us can't. But with Jesus' list, we can ALL do these things. Give a drink to someone thirsty, go spend time with the sick, visit the imprisoned, etc. As you said: simpler yet harder.
That question your friend asked, “which of these things can't you do?”, is one of the most clarifying things I've read about Matthew 25 in a long time. It cuts right through the excuse that justice work belongs to people with resources, platforms, or expertise. Jesus didn't ask for programs. He asked for presence. I may borrow that framing if you don't mind. It says in one sentence what I was trying to say in a whole article. Grateful you took the time to read it and respond so generously.
Wow. I never have had this perspective on Jesus' teaching about those in prison. It makes so much sense and aligns with God's heart for the alien, orphan and widow throughout the Old Testament as well. It really gives me pause to think about how I can support the marginalized in my community as well as on a more global level. Convicting, powerful, and yet reassuring when we see God's heart and love for all people. Thank you.
That connection to the alien, orphan, and widow thread running through the Old Testament is exactly right. Honestly, you just articulated it better than I did in the article. The consistency of God's heart across both testaments is what keeps pulling me back to these texts. Thanks for sharing.
Such powerful and important thoughts! We should definitely expand our thinking as to who Jesus is referring to. Yet I would add, don’t forget those who are incarcerated. These truly are people who are written off by society, pretty much disposable to those in positions of authority. Not all are hardened criminals, rehabilitation and education opportunities are sorely lacking and underfunded. I could go on and on. Prison ministry or volunteering to mentor or teach are seldom convenient or easy - but much needed. Re entry programs and groups also rely on volunteers.
What an excellent installment full of historical facts and Biblical insights with clearly outlined practical applications. Thank you, Harvey. I am enjoying your work!
I love so many of your "mic drop" lines including, "Are you willing to be seen with the people the system already decided didn't matter?" and "Visiting a prisoner in the first century wasn't just inconvenient. It was socially costly." I was challenged by your call to action when you asked, "Who in your world is waiting for someone to show up? And what would it actually cost you to go?"
I will reflect on this call to action, and, prayerfully, I will act on the prompting of the Holy Spirit in a very real and transformative way.
Thank you again.
😃🙏🏾
Harvey, this is so good! Excellent writing, and more importantly, excellent insights and calls to action. So much to think on ... and act upon. Multiple lines really stood out to me: "Are you willing to be seen with the people the system already decided didn’t matter?, "Some people are being ground down by systems that call themselves legal, and showing up for them will cost you something." "All of that was legal. Almost none of it was just." (So well said!) And finally: "Jesus’ question isn’t “do you have a comprehensive policy solution?” It’s simpler and harder: do you notice? And when you notice, do you do something?"
The last line of yours that I just quoted reminds me of something a friend of mine once asked about Jesus' list in Matthew 25: Which of these things can't you do? He went on to point out that Matthew 25 doesn't say, "Thousands were hungry, and you organized a massive feeding program. Or, I was sick, and you healed me. Or, I was in prison, and you used your legal brilliance to get me out." Some people can do those things (and I'm grateful for them!), but the problem is most of us can't. But with Jesus' list, we can ALL do these things. Give a drink to someone thirsty, go spend time with the sick, visit the imprisoned, etc. As you said: simpler yet harder.
That question your friend asked, “which of these things can't you do?”, is one of the most clarifying things I've read about Matthew 25 in a long time. It cuts right through the excuse that justice work belongs to people with resources, platforms, or expertise. Jesus didn't ask for programs. He asked for presence. I may borrow that framing if you don't mind. It says in one sentence what I was trying to say in a whole article. Grateful you took the time to read it and respond so generously.
Wow. I never have had this perspective on Jesus' teaching about those in prison. It makes so much sense and aligns with God's heart for the alien, orphan and widow throughout the Old Testament as well. It really gives me pause to think about how I can support the marginalized in my community as well as on a more global level. Convicting, powerful, and yet reassuring when we see God's heart and love for all people. Thank you.
That connection to the alien, orphan, and widow thread running through the Old Testament is exactly right. Honestly, you just articulated it better than I did in the article. The consistency of God's heart across both testaments is what keeps pulling me back to these texts. Thanks for sharing.
So convicting Harvey. Much to reflect on & examine in my own heart. Thank you brother.
Such powerful and important thoughts! We should definitely expand our thinking as to who Jesus is referring to. Yet I would add, don’t forget those who are incarcerated. These truly are people who are written off by society, pretty much disposable to those in positions of authority. Not all are hardened criminals, rehabilitation and education opportunities are sorely lacking and underfunded. I could go on and on. Prison ministry or volunteering to mentor or teach are seldom convenient or easy - but much needed. Re entry programs and groups also rely on volunteers.
Absolutely! After all, Jesus does specifically call them out. Them and more!