But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the city. The next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. After they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, then on to Iconium and Antioch. There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.” And after they had appointed elders for them in each church, with prayer and fasting they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had come to believe. Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had completed. When they arrived, they called the church together and related all that God had done with them and how he had opened a door of faith for the gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time. (Acts 14:19-28, NRSVue)
When we speak truth to power, we are not accepted and are worked against to stop us from helping others break the bonds of oppression. People hold others in a place of subjection so that they can maintain the power the systems have set up for them. The powers that be do not want to let go of their power, seeming to understand that life will be worse for them, when in actuality, life would be better for everyone.
When life is good for one, life will be better for all. When we are all included and given what we need, we will all be there and ready to assist others in their needs and make life more fulfilling for all.
Speak truth to power and work for all to be included and for systems of oppression to be destroyed.
aSacredRebel 