“Oppression” is a heavy word. Jesus read the scroll proclaiming release from oppression in Luke 4:18. More than blindness or captivity, oppression is harder for me to pinpoint. Oppression is cruel or unjust treatment or control or mental pressure. Having a kind husband, a fulfilling job, wonderful friends, and financial stability means that the ole scale is my most oppressing opponent. So how is that so?
In Ecclessiastes 4:1 I read, “Again I saw all the oppressions that are practiced under the sun. Look, the tears of the oppressed – with no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power – with no one to comfort them. And I thought the dead who have already died, more fortunate than the living, who are still alive, but better than both is the one who has not yet been, and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.” Oppressions drive us to cry out, drive us to despair, drive us into isolation and hopelessness.
Perhaps when Jesus proclaims release, he is proclaiming that we are heard. He is proclaiming there is hope and a future. He is proclaiming that we are not alone. As Avatar would say, “I SEE you!” I do not know what the your battle is today and what voices seek to diminish you but the truth is that Jesus came to release us from those lies. We are valuable not because of our talents, our wealth, or our looks but because we are his creation. Let’s focus on that today! Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 