Speaking Truth to Power

Scripture – Mark 7:6-13: ⁶He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. ⁷They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ ⁸You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” ⁹And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! ¹⁰For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ ¹¹But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: ‘Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), ¹²then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. ¹³Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

Reflection: Jesus could not be clearer. These are very pointed words, directed toward Jewish leaders, using their own scriptures. Part of the call of the church today is to speak truth to power. That looks a bit different to every church in their local community. How does that apply to Bethel Baptist in Southgate?

I serve on an advisory committee for our local school board. I fill the role of “local clergy.” We’re pretty much a token committee – called together to fulfill a state mandate. It’s clear my input is not really wanted, just my presence. However, I keep asking questions and offering suggestions. And for some reason, they keep calling me back. I will continue to do that. I will look at this role from a pastoral and, perhaps, a prophetic point of view.

Lord, please give me guidance in this arena. Teach me to serve you as I serve this community. Give me wisdom and discernment as I serve that I might bring honor to you.