Can This Be The Christ?

Guest speaker Sylvia invites us to wrestle with one of the most difficult and often overlooked stories in scripture: the unnamed concubine in Judges 19. Through her story of suffering and betrayal, Sylvia asks what it means to see Christ in unexpected places, even among the most marginalized and dehumanized. This teaching challenges us to confront violence, resist dehumanization, and embody compassion, courage, and justice in our own lives.

Review Sylvia’s notes here and listen to or watch the teaching below.

Longing for Justice

At a time when the prosperous in ancient Israel were flourishing, God sent a message to his people: Just because you are doing well, does not mean all is well. As the prophet Amos noted, 

"....because you make the poor pay taxes on their crops, and exact a grain tax from them, you will not live in the houses you built with chiseled stone, nor will you drink the wine from the fine vineyards you planted.

Certainly I am aware of your many rebellious acts and your numerous sins. You torment the innocent, you take bribes, and you deny justice to the needy at the city gate" (Amos, 5:11-12) 

By calling out the successful in society for their clever dealing, their shrewd success, and their complacency towards the poor, God re-directs their attention away from their own profit and towards the poor and those in need. So at a time where the rich ascend in our own churches and society, how do we stand with the poor? Listen in for more of Amos' message, or read the notes here.