Monday Invocation | Lenten Series: A Stronghold for the Oppressed

One of Scripture’s primary narratives is God’s compassion for and solidarity with the oppressed. Whether in the law as communicated through Moses, in Jeremiah’s criticism of pervasive exploitation of the poor, or in Jesus’s consistent focus on the marginalized in his day, the Bible tells the story—from multiple perspectives—of God’s will to see humanity liberated.

Good news, as it were.

Today’s passage comes from a psalm of David. Between lines of praise and adoration, he tells of God’s judgment of his “enemies” and God’s protection in the midst of danger. He contrasts these “enemies” against God’s justice and mercy.

Some of the language can be unsettling and violent (it’s no secret David had a penchant for drama), but it’s important to remember that the stakes for David and his people were high. They were routinely attacked and occupied by neighboring empires, and the prophets were quick to condemn these occupations, calling the people to repentance so that they may experience the promise of spiritual liberation. Open to any chapter in Isaiah or Jeremiah for examples; our Conference theme verse, Isaiah 61:1-3a, is of the same tradition.

Moreover, David calls God a stronghold. You probably won’t find a stronghold readily vulnerable to occupation—rather, it will be in a high place, protected, and well-defended. Its walls are not easily breached. David appeals to God’s protection of and concern for the oppressed; in times of difficulty and pain, when there is little hope, God is a “strong tower” (Proverbs 18:10), a mighty fortress.

How does this relate to Lent?

This season centers on Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, and we know that Jesus was the Christ, God-in-flesh. Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus was consistent in his solidarity with the poor and marginalized. In his life and death, Jesus reiterated God’s will to see God’s people liberated from every earthly oppression. He urged us to pray that God’s “kingdom come” in a world of exploitation and suffering, offering hope for the peace, justice, redemption, and true belonging we seek as a community.

May we find our refuge in our Creator, our stronghold, and experience the liberating power of the Spirit in our lives. In the way of Christ, may we live in solidarity with the marginalized, leaning on the Spirit as we cultivate radical belonging for all of God’s beloved children. As we begin this new week, we leave you with this prayer from biblical scholar and theologian Walter Brueggemann:

“Save us, Lord, from a religion that ignores the cries of the exploited and oppressed. Lead us into a deeper faith that challenges injustice and makes the sacrifices that must be made to build a society that is ever more truly human. Amen.”