Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

D. We are the priesthood of God : as a holy priesthood, we intercede on behalf of our urban neighbors, standing in the gap for those who are vulnerable and voiceless, defending the rights of the poor and the oppressed.

1. Biblical model: holy and royal priesthood

a. 1 Pet. 2.9-10

b. Rev. 1.6

2. The condition of the urban scene is that many people whose lives are oppressed and broken have no advocate or defense, no one to represent their interests and needs before the powers, and no one who can stand in the gap on behalf of the people of the land.

3

a. Ezek. 22.30-31

b. Ezek. 13.5

c. Ps. 106.23

3. As the priesthood of the Lord, the Church’s response must be to defend the voiceless and vulnerable, to stand in the gap, in the breach, defending, advocating, pleading on their behalf, serving as their helper and friend.

4. The challenge: don’t ignore the vulnerable and broken around us, allowing the enemy and the circumstances to have their way with them .