Social Justice: First and Last

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.” -Luke 16:19-25

“Many who are first will be last, and the last first.” -Mark 10:31

Social justice: the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within a society. Or in other words, helping those in society that are less fortunate. Social justice is part of our calling here on earth as Christians.

I believe this is the clearest picture of what social justice looks like - putting those who are considered last in our society at the forefront of our minds, thinking about them first. Jesus says that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. He says that this is how it will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. We see an example of it in the parable above - God puts down the rich man and raises up the poor man.

Take this as an example in how you go about ministry. Think about those who often get forgotten, and work to bring blessing and opportunity to those less fortunate than you.