I’ve been re-reading Richard Mouw’s wonderful argument for the “kingdom” in “When the Kings Come Marching in: Isaiah and the New Jerusalem.” He writes of a conversation with a very pious man who said to him, “I don’t mean to suggest that it is wrong to pay attention to some of these social issues —- but I do wish we would spend more time talking about things of the Lord!”
Of course, Mouw argues, it is of the utmost importance that we talk about the things of the Lord.
But the important question is this: What are the Lord’s things?
Doesn’t Jesus agonize over attacks on the dignity of those persons for whom he spilled his blood?
Doesn’t he grieve over men and women who have been imprisoned because they witnessed for righteousness and justice?
Isn’t the Son of God angered by the oppression of widows and orphans, and by the schemes of those who plot the destruction of all that the Creator has called “good”?
As I was challenged again by Mouw’s argument for a robust gospel that seeks to make Jesus King everywhere, I happened upon an interview the Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission. I love this guy and the folks at IJM (see their movement to end oppression.) Anyway, I’m attaching part of the interview with Gary Haugen below. Take 25 minutes to listen to it–you wont regret it. (Thanks to the folks at Catalyst.)
