"that same day Pharaoh gave this order to the slave drivers and overseers in charge of the people: “You are no longer to supply the people with straw…they are lazy; that is why they are crying out…” Exodus 5:6-8.
Isn’t it just the way of the enemy to accuse you, and then do to you the very thing he has accused you of doing. Samuel Adams observed that the wolf, in order to justify it's actions, accuses the lamb before devouring it. We’ve seen this in the history of nations. I recently watched it happen among siblings.
I know of a brother who, though claimed to be fair minded and tolerant, threatened his sister with violence because he felt her own political views were hateful and discriminatory. The irony is that the sister is compassionate, civic-minded, and actively helping all kinds of diverse peoples. Astounding! The brother who claimed fair mindedness threatened to actually do what he slanderously accused her of while ignoring the good deeds she was doing for the community.
In this verse we observe that the Israelites were being crushed under the load of injustice. When they gave bitter voice to their situation they were accused of being lazy and loaded with greater injustice. That’s oppression.
Be wise. In your workplace, in your neighborhood or politics, there is an atmosphere of accusation that has soaked into our culture. Accusation quite often is the prologue to greater violence and enslavement. Expect that the battle for freedom always starts with a war over words. It already has. Slander, labels of hate speech, political bullying, and claims of psychological harm done by those who don’t agree with you are all tactics to twist the war of words in the direction of tyranny. The language of fairness is now backed by financial punishment and oppression. How ironic.
Don’t reciprocate. And don’t get discouraged. Be wise, but remain innocent. Speak the truth, but speak in love. Cling to the words of Jesus. They are a solid foundation. Align yourself in his Word and don't try to vindicate yourself. Find your justice and vindication in his courtroom and not in the opinions of people. It is promised, “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1. Or as Daniel found out, God can shut the mouth of lions. Jesus was silent before his accusers. But he who was falsely judged has been approved of as the Greatest Judge. He will have the final Word, and his Word will be the greatest. It's his approval you are living for, and your honor will be restored in his time.
Tags: words, slander, oppression, accusation, judgment, silence, innocence, bullying
