September 9
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ECCLESIASTES 4
Again, I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
– Ecclesiastes 4:1-3
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ECCLESIASTES 4 THE TRAGEDY OF CRUELTY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The world we live in is full of wickedness and cruelty
The rich exercises power and shows the poor so much partiality
Those who have very little are stolen of the little they have
While those who have hoarded much wealth still want more.
Those who do not know God continue to pursue power
Men mistreat their wives and make them fearful and cower
Little children are traumatized by adults who mistreats them
The vulnerable continue to suffer and be affected by the wicked.
Those who are sick are at the mercy of health providers from of a corrupt system
The mentally challenged are minimized and neglected and discriminated
The poor and the needy are increasing in numbers without much help
The tragedy of cruelty and inequality is so astoundingly prevalent.
There are many injustices exercised between two or three nations
The women, children and other innocent bystanders are in bondage
Because of the pursuit of power and authority, many people suffer
These manifestations of cruelty and wickedness are all tragedies.
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REFLECTION
• What were some kinds of cruelties that you have experienced or witnessed made you long for God’s vindication?
• Why do you think oppression is very prevalent in our world today?
• How can we Christians be the voice for those who are oppressed and vulnerable?