Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Scripture makes clear that while society deals punitively with the prisoner, Christians are asked to afford respect, dignity and fraternity to the captive. Indeed, reading of scripture makes clear that the Lord is on the side of the poor, dispossessed and oppressed. Luke 1:52 makes clear that the Lord rejects sole identification with the so-called powerful. “His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath [helped] his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy.” Wow! What a God! And wow! What a challenge and opportunity the Lord has put before his people!

The response required by God of all redeemed is laid bare in the holy writ. Victimization and derisive treatment of the prisoner is not an option. In fact, the scriptures make clear that a major dimension of divine judgment will hinge on how so-called believers deal with the oppressed. “For I, the Lord, love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” That which was begun in God’s creative act is not yet completed. And scripture provides a strategy by which believers may continue the work of bringing God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Deliver me from the Christian who joins in the terror and taunting of the incarcerated. Deliver me from the Christian who sees no role for him/herself in being the hands and heart of God in ministering to our brothers and sisters behind bars or those whose liberty is abridged. Deliver me from the Christian who fails to acknowledge that but for the grace of God go I.

Extending the good news to the captives, then, is not just a good idea, it is an imperative. Every Christian and every church should at least struggle with how each might find a niche in active “gospel giving” to those of our community who are temporarily away from us. To what extent does Advent speak not only to those who can smell the advent wreath and hear the joyful bells and carols, but to those also whom the Lord appears to favor: the oppressed, the wounded and the captive?

For the believer, Matthew 25-34-37, 40-43 is especially instructive. This segment of scripture is “in the red ink”, meaning that the writer seeks to report the words of Jesus verbatim. I have for some time called these passages the “final exam” of faith and judgment. These verses make clear that salvation is less about claim and more about what the believer is spurred to do in the name of Jesus. Giving food to the hungry is required. Slaking the thirst of our brothers and sisters is divinely indicated. Extending welcome and the right hand of fellowship to the stranger pleases God. Sharing our wardrobes with those without clothing thrills the Lord. Taking care of the sick is a divine requirement. And of the prisoner, Jesus says, visitation and ministry are required and divinely valued.

Every preacher and every consumer of the gospel preachment ought periodically read the Matthew 25 final exam and ponder, “Did I? Will I?” Will I hear the Divine Judge say to me, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”

Let those with eyes see; and those with ears hear. The Lord yet cares for the sparrow and the least of these, including the oppressed, the captive and the prisoner. So ought you and I. May we all heed the word of the Lord. Amen.

By David C. Forbes, Sr., Pastor of Christian Faith Baptist Church, Raleigh