From the Chaplain

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the rights of all those who have nothing. Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9 

I shared this bible verse in assembly on Monday because the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023 is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. God wants us to stand up for what is right and defend people who are marginalised or need our support.

Jesus was a voice for people and defended their rights, especially women and children. Excluding people because of their race, gender and age was a normal thing in bible times, but Jesus knew this was wrong. I shared two stories with the students about Jesus standing up for others. 

In the first story, Jesus was talking to a crowd where some children were trying to get Jesus’ attention. The disciples started to tell off the children and drive them away from Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Stop it, let them come close, because they are the future owners of the kingdom". Jesus showed them that everyone is important no matter their age.

In the second story, a woman was caught in the act of adultery, which was punishable by being stoned to death (it wasn’t a crime for the man, just the woman). The woman was brought to the Pharisees, and they asked Jesus if they should uphold this law. Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. The Pharisees knew that they had sinned in their life too and should not judge her. They walked away and left the woman, and then Jesus said to her, "Go now and leave your life of sin". Jesus had compassion for the lady and stood up for her when she was not able to stand up for herself. 

Like Jesus, we need to stand up for others and be a voice for the people who need it.   

Mrs Naomi Cooper | Chaplain