| “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” |
| —Isaiah 1:16-17 |
Yesterday, I shared with you my thoughts regarding the significant differences between the so-called “social justice movement” and God’s instruction for His followers to help the poor and those in genuine need. Nevertheless, when I read a similar instruction from the Prophet Isaiah, as I read yesterday from the Prophet Micah, I have to take even more notice. Please note what Isaiah tells us, as recorded in Isaiah 1:16-17:
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Once again, in devotion to the God who loves us—and as an expression of His mercy, grace, and love to those less fortunate than ourselves—we must acknowledge that we clearly have a responsibility to act accordingly. At the same time, I would again assert that this is an act we should do through the Church—the Body of Christ—not under duress from the government. Instead of having our money seized by the government for this purpose, through the church we should willingly give a portion of what God has so lovingly given to us to help the poor and genuine needy.
As we begin this day, let us look for ways to extend Christ’s love to those around us, particularly those who may be in genuine need. Let us become instruments of God’s mercy, grace, and unfailing love to those who are bound by the circumstances of their poverty. And, let us do so out of love for God and love for our fellow humans. Whenever we do this, we bring honor to God and illustrate that He has made a significant difference in our lives.
Based on a blog originally posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2017
