Friday, January 17, 2014

Human Trafficking {Part 2}: The Word

Didn't catch part 1? Read it here!

So now that we're all caught up on our stats, let's dig a little deeper into the subject of human trafficking by looking at the Biblical side of things.

Well, we know that human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery. Victims are stripped of their most basic human rights of liberty and freedom. They are forced to work (labor trafficking) or perform sexually for others (sex trafficking) against their will. Most are held in some sort of prison or a brothel and handcuffed, abused, and treated like commodities. Essentially, their lives are stolen.

Bottom line, this is just wrong.

What does the Bible say about all this?

Throughout Scripture, a beautiful picture is painted of a God who has a heart for saving people, especially those who are lost, broken, and held in captivity. All human beings are valued and created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). He loves the trafficked and the traffickers; they are precious in His sight. However, God stands for justice and hates wrongdoing (Isaiah 61:8). This is obviously not right in His eyes. But where His spirit is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). Freedom from sin, slavery, and bondage. Jesus proclaimed while He was on earth that He came to release prisoners and liberate the oppressed (Luke 4:18). He sees all things. He loves trafficked victims and longs to set them free.

So, what is our role we play in this mess? How do we react?

We are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and stand up for the poor and helpless. Justice must be served (Proverbs 31:8-9).

We are called to intercede for those in bondage. The prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). We need to PRAY for victims currently in captivity and against future trafficking incidents. This alone is an incredibly powerful weapon in the fight against slavery.

We are called to action. Scripture tells us that the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon us, because the Lord has anointed us to set the captives free and proclaim that prisoners will be released (Isaiah 61:1). This is not merely a suggestion; it is a commandment. We are Jesus' hands and feet on earth. We must bring those victims justice and give them living hope, Jesus Christ. They need us. They need HIM.



Well, I hope this gives you a bit of a Biblical perspective on human trafficking. Remember to continue to raise your voice, pray for the oppressed, and get it on the action! The fight to end slavery is SO ON.




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