Article: Let My People Go

[SolInvictus]

Hey everyone,
attached is another article I wrote in my church newsletter. Comments, as always, are welcome. Thank you all & have a great week!

[Jennifer5]

It may just be my computer, but I unfortunately wasn't able to open the file.

[SolInvictus]

Oh, sorry Jennifer. I'll copy & paste it.

[SolInvictus]

Here it is:
Let My People Go: The Bible and Modern Prophets

"When we let freedom ring, we let it ring from every hamlet, from every state, from every city; we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children...will be able to join hands and sing...'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" - Excerpts from I Have A Dream speech by Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.

When most people hear the word prophet, images come to mind of old men with long beards may appear in your mind. In Hebrew, nabi', a prophet is one "who pours or announces forth the declarations of God." In Greek, it translates simply as "one who speaks for a god(s)." Prophets receive these announcements, according to the Bible, by means of visions, dreams, Divine manifestations, or declarations
(p. 534, 536; Smith's Bible Dictionary).

In the Old Testement, such prophets were Ezekiel, Elijah, Moses, Jonah, and many
more. They often speek to the oppressed, people who suffer, minorities, and, of course , the Jews. While in bondage in Egypt, God called Moses to free his people out of Egypt. The Jews were enslaved, persecuted, and oppressed. Notice, Moses was not given images of future events, but to proclaim to Pharaoh to "let my people go" (Exodus 7:16). By listening, Moses was able to liberate his people. God's children heard His voice that freedom was at hand.

Likewise, we have modern prophets today. By hearing their voices, we create our own freedom from oppressors. Jesus commanded us to "love one another" not to hate each other. God speaks to all of his people, especially those who are persecuted, and His prophets proclaim "let my people go." Mahatma Gandhi spoke to his people, the Indians, under British rule though passive resistance. Similarly, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared the right for all African Americans
to be treated as equals. The tragic death of Matthew Sheppard became a voice for the gay and lesbian communities crying out to be "free at last." All of these men were killed by those who hated them, but their people made it or still fighting their way to the Promised Land. Like Moses, these men can be seen as prophets who died so that the cause for true equality and freedom can continue.

God Bless and In Christian Love,
Josh Spencer

[Jennifer5]

Well written... thanks for sharing!

[SolInvictus]

Thank you & glad you enjoyed it :-)