Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

CHAINS When sharing with the people of Israel concerning the importance of giving “the best of [their] crops” (verse 10), Moses explained that each worshiper was to recount Israel’s shared history. They had been slaves in Egypt, and God rescued them. Slavery existed in several different forms in biblical times. At its worst, slavery in the ancient world was a life of unremitting exploitation and punishment. At its best, it was like being part of an extended family. But slaves never forgot that they were once seen as mere objects. They were owned. In our own time, slavery has “officially” been abolished. Yet, unofficially, in many parts of the world, people are still enslaved and chains can come in many forms. People can be shackled by low wages as well as by leg irons. More people are enslaved today than ever, because of human trafficking. Some 45,000—50,000 people are forced into the sex trade annually. An estimated 1.3 million children are currently enslaved in the sex trade around the world. God is a mighty liberator. The work begun in Egypt three millennia ago continues today. Wherever slavery exists in the world, God still wants us to set people free. After all, we too have been freed from our slavery to sin. Why did Moses remind his people of their former years of slavery? What do you see as the value of recounting one’s humble roots? Have you traced your roots? How has your family history shaped your life? Learn about products you may have purchased in the past that were produced by companies that mistreat their workers. Write a letter or email of protest to that company and commit to buying only products that are fairly traded. Pray: Throughout history people who were in serious trouble have prayed to you, Lord, and you rescued them. You brought them out of deepest darkness and broke their chains. Do it again today, Lord.