BIBLICAL EXAMPLES ON HOW TO TACKLE SOCIAL UNREST

 The yoke of the oppressor shall be broken because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

 Good -Life Devotional: BIBLICAL EXAMPLES ON HOW TO TACKLE SOCIAL UNREST 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

Acts 6:1,3

[1]And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

[3]Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. " 

 There was a protest in the early church against the social injustice by the Jews against non Jews.  The timely intervention by the early leaders brought about peace  (Read Acts 6:1-6) . This is proof of the role the clergy plays in ensuring stability in any society. 

   A parallel of this is in Nehemiah 5, where the protest among the people stemmed from socio-economic injustices. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a famine struck, and many of the poorer Jews mortgaged their fields, vineyards, and homes to buy grain. Additionally, they borrowed money to pay the king's tax, leading to crippling debts. Some even sold their children into slavery to survive. This situation created a sharp divide between the wealthy nobles and officials, who exploited the economic hardship of their fellow Jews, and the struggling common people.

Nehemiah, the governor, responded decisively upon hearing the complaints. He convened a large assembly and confronted the nobles and officials, accusing them of exploiting their brethren. Nehemiah appealed to their conscience and fear of God, reminding them of their duty to act justly. He demanded that they stop charging interest, return the seized properties, and release the enslaved. The nobles and officials agreed, taking an oath to uphold these reforms.

This resolution teaches several key lessons. Leaders must address injustices swiftly and decisively. Economic disparities, if left unchecked, can lead to social unrest. Moreover, a community must prioritize mutual support and equity, ensuring that prosperity does not come at the expense of others' suffering. Nehemiah's example underscores the importance of moral integrity and compassionate leadership in fostering social harmony.

  In our church meetings and daily prayers we should request for good governance like that of Nehemiah and the early church. Bad governance results in a disinterest in church activities by citizens and good governance results in healthy church growth  as witnessed in Acts 6;7 "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith."

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy spirit and power to push for good governance. Amen

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