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Rachel Mello

"May Justice Roll," Sept 22, 2024

I was honored to be invited to speak at Center Point Christian Church in Greenville, TX for their Annual Women's Day program "May Justice Roll." At the request of several attendees, I am publishing my prepared remarks on the topics of justice and faith here.



I am honored and humbled to stand before you today. I come here with a heart full of reverence for the powerful history and spirit that fills this space. While we may not all share the same story or experience, we gather here united in the hope for justice—a justice that we believe can transform this world, even in the face of overwhelming injustice.


Our theme, "May Justice Roll," is drawn from the words of the prophet Amos, who cried out, “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24). What a vivid image that is—a river of justice, moving, cleansing and restoring all that it touches. That’s the vision we carry in our hearts, the hope we hold onto. It is not passive, it is not quiet. It is a force that flows through our communities, bringing life, healing, and change. This is not just a beautiful image; it’s a call to action. Justice is not passive—it’s powerful, like a river that cannot be stopped. As we approach election season, we must see ourselves as part of this river. We are the force that moves justice forward, through our voices, our votes, and our actions. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Justice will only roll if we move, if we act, if we show up.


When we reflect on justice, we can look to the story of Moses. When the Israelites were oppressed in Egypt, God called Moses to demand their freedom with the powerful words, "Let my people go." Pharaoh's grip was strong, and the injustice seemed unbreakable, but God heard the cries of the people and made a way. Today, many of us feel the same grip of systemic racism, inequality, and injustice. But election season is a time when we can rise up, as Moses did, to confront the powers that be and insist on justice for our people. We are not helpless. Election season gives us the chance to raise our voices, to choose leaders who will let justice roll, and to push for policies that break the chains that hold our communities back.


Yet, the journey toward justice also demands accountability. We see this clearly in the life of King David, a man described as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). David was chosen by God and achieved great things for his people, yet even David, a king favored by the Lord, fell into sin. His actions toward Bathsheba—lusting after her, committing adultery, and ultimately orchestrating the death of her husband, Uriah—were not only personal failings but grave injustices against both her and her family. For a time, it seemed David might escape the consequences of his actions. But God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him (2 Samuel 12:7). David’s power did not protect him from justice. He had to face the consequences of his sin.


This story reminds us that no one is above justice—not kings, not leaders, not us. David was held accountable for his actions, and this accountability is essential for any just society. As we enter election season, we must remember that our leaders, too, must be held accountable. We must demand justice from those in power, ensuring that they serve the people with integrity and righteousness. Just as David faced consequences for his misuse of power, our political leaders must be answerable for the policies they create and the harm they cause when they fail to serve the people justly.


We know that the road to justice is not easy. It requires persistence, faith, and sometimes, righteous anger. Jesus teaches us that justice is active. When He saw corruption in the temple, He overturned the tables of the moneychangers (Matthew 21:12). He confronted injustice directly, refusing to stand by while the vulnerable were exploited. There are times when we are called to stand up and say, "Enough!"—just as Jesus did when He confronted the powerful forces of His day. In this election season, we are called to do the same. We must challenge unjust systems and lift up leaders who will fight for equality and fairness. This is our moment to turn over the tables of injustice by using our votes to demand change. It’s our time to challenge the systems that exploit the poor and to ensure that our communities are represented by leaders who will fight for equality, fairness, and justice for all. Jesus didn’t wait for someone else to act—He stepped in. And in this moment, we too are called to step in and make our voices heard.


But justice is not just about tearing down what is wrong—it’s about building up what is right. Micah 6:8 reminds us that God requires us “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” We are called to be both warriors for justice and vessels of mercy. We fight against the forces of oppression, but we do so with hearts full of love and grace, lifting each other up along the way. As we vote, volunteer, and engage politically, we are living out this call. When we vote for leaders who value justice and mercy, we are not just participating in a political system—we are participating in the work of God. Voting is one way we let justice roll. It's a practical, powerful tool for turning our faith into action. In the political sphere, this means voting for leaders who will champion justice, fairness, and compassion. It means staying engaged, holding elected officials accountable, and advocating for policies that reflect God’s heart for justice.


One story that resonates deeply is the story of Esther. Though she lived in a palace, far removed from the struggles of her people, she was called by God to risk her life and speak truth. Mordecai reminded her, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). We too are called for such a time as this. Our voices, our actions, our very presence in this moment are no accident. Our vote is our voice, and our participation in the political process is one of the ways we stand in the gap for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the oppressed. Esther used her influence to save her people. We have the opportunity to use our influence to shape the future of our communities, our state, and our nation. We are here, in this place and time, to carry forward the torch of justice, to be the Esther of today’s world, and to stand in the gap for those who are oppressed.


I stand with you, committed to walking beside you, to learning, to listening, and to lifting my voice in solidarity. I am committed to standing with you, to lifting my voice alongside yours, and to using the privilege I have to work for justice. Jesus crossed boundaries, broke down barriers, and called for unity among all people. In this election season, we must do the same—united in purpose, stronger together than apart. When we stand together, when we vote together, we change the world. As we walk together, the power of our unity will strengthen the cause of justice.


Let us remember that justice is not something we wait for—it is something we create, through our actions, our prayers, and our unwavering faith. Justice doesn’t roll by accident. It rolls because people of faith, courage, and conviction step up. Justice rolls when we vote for candidates who champion equality, who work for affordable healthcare, who protect voting rights, and who ensure that every voice in our community is heard. Justice rolls when we knock on doors, make phone calls, and encourage our neighbors to vote. Justice rolls when we hold our elected leaders accountable and demand that they work for the good of all people, not just the privileged few. We are called to be the hands and feet of justice, to let our lives speak of righteousness, and to carry forward the hope of a better world for our children and for generations to come.


Let us recommit ourselves to being vessels through which God’s justice can roll. Let us carry this message into the voting booth, into our communities, and into every conversation we have during this election season. Let justice roll like a mighty river, through our actions, our votes, and our faith. Let it roll like a mighty river, sweeping away the chains of inequality, dismantling the systems of oppression, and bringing hope, healing, and freedom to all people. We are the hands and feet of justice—and together, we can move mountains.


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