The sign in her hand

I watched as they pulled the sign from her hand like it was something dirty. They seemed to look at her with the same level of disgust. They took a photo of the sign she was holding, probably for evidence they would use in court against her. I possibly could understand a bit more if the words were about inciting violence or speaking derogatory words about someone, but the words spoke about protecting vulnerable lives, about stopping awful actions towards a whole people group. My mind could not comprehend in those moments why protecting people and standing up for life and hope could be seen as a criminal act and why she was then picked up from the floor and arrested for those actions.

It's even more concerning that so many people around the world applaud that ‘law and order’ moment. I find it beyond my human comprehension. It just does not make sense at all. Why oh why are her actions seen as so dangerous?

I cast my mind back to a man who was treated in a similar fashion. He was also arrested. He was killed for these kinds of actions. He stood for life and for people being treated well. He challenged the very oppressive systems that she is challenging. He defied social norms like her, in defense of the poor, the prisoners, the blind and the oppressed. He even broke strict religious rules in looking out for vulnerable people. Like her, he risked his life on a daily basis for the words he used and the actions he took.

He was willing to be scandalized. If it was in our present time, he would have been willing to have his picture plastered across social spaces. He was spat at and gossiped about. He did not agree with the actions of the Government in charge, their actions of violence and lack of respect for human life.

He spoke against any system that stripped people of their dignity.

That’s what her poster was all about. I can’t make sense of a world that looks at her actions with such disdain.

He was arrested and had multiple accusations thrown at him for speaking against the oppressive systems of the time. He was put to death, even though they could find no fault against him. The powerful structures in power at that time and the people following them were totally okay with his death and relieved that the threat was gone.

But he had come from a different kingdom. One that will always clash with powerful earthly empire structures. A kingdom that cares about those people mentioned on that sign. A kingdom like no other and one that will never end.

He defeated the death they tried to silence him with. He rose again. He changed everything. He asks us to care for the people she is calling us to care for.

Yes, this might be a bit of a mind bender for some people reading this, that I am comparing these 2 people side by side, but that’s the whole point too. He was fully God and fully man. Yes, she’s only human, but with a heart that cares deeply for people and planet.

If we are filled with the spirit of God, we of all people should be caring for all people and for the planet. He commissioned us to do just that. Let us not waver or be led astray by voices that say the opposite.

Matthew 25:34 – 40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

It’s Christmas time. A time to remember again, afresh and anew that Jesus chose to come close and live on earth with us. He is the hope that came into a very dark world, a dangerous and occupied world. Things have absolutely got worse since then, but the heart of humans is still the same, still needing redemption and forgiveness. That light, that hope, that love arrives every day, always. Thank God for that. It changes everything, always. Thank you, God, for your incomparable love for us and your identification with the most vulnerable in the world. Help us to love like you.

Thank you too, Greta, for your caring heart and the huge risks you take for people and our planet. You are an inspiration to many.

Top artwork by Evelien Burger

Bottom picture taken at a local school in Gqeberha