Welcome to Wednesday. We’re halfway through our work and headed towards Sunday!
As you know this week’s message will be focused on current events in our country. In the killing of George Floyd and the aftermath that has unfolded we seek a word from the Lord.
Our choice of Scripture is Isaiah 58:6-12. It is a prophetic word. As with all prophetic words it brings challenge before it brings comfort. It speaks into privilege and calls into faith. It provides guidance, help and hope that grow us in God’s grace.
On Wednesday we look into the context for the text. What was happening in the original world into which this word was spoken? What is happening in our world today that makes this word relevant for us?
Isaiah assumed his prophetic role in 742 BCE. He continued until 686 BCE. During his time Israel, in the north, and Judah, in the south, were separate kingdoms. Isaiah prophesied in Judah.
As you read through his prophecy you see that his voice was one of ‘truth to power’. Particularly in this Scripture, the societal backdrop was one of Injustice (verse 6), Insecurity (verse 7), and Intolerance (verses 9b-10). In the midst of these realities he called for Justice (“To loose the bonds of wickedness”), Compassion (“share your bread”), and Tolerance (“take away… the pointing finger”). He calls the people to reclaim and raise up foundations of grace and truth. This is how the “Breach” shall be “Repaired” and the “Streets” shall be “Restored”.
As we look at our times, our context into which this word speaks, we see that in many ways it is the same. There are societal disparities and inequities. There are societal forces of Injustice, Insecurity/Poverty, and Intolerance that exist. As people of faith we are called to Justice and to Compassion. We know this is not done by condoning rioting, violence, looting and mayhem, which we know must be stopped. At the same time is it done by supporting peaceful protest, due process, and empowered participation with voice and vote. It is in claiming and advancing our common humanity, dignity, equity and liberty – which we all share- that “our light shall break forth like the morning, and our healing spring forth speedily” (verse 8).
These are difficult days. And this is a powerful word! It will guide us as a people of faith into how we can respond to our world around us and our hearts within us.
In the faith which knows that ,”You shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and God will say, ‘Here I am’” (verse 9), I look forward to continue hearing what this prophetic word would speak to us today.
Prayer: Gracious God, we are grateful that you are always faithful to all your children. And in your faithfulness, you call us to be faithful to you and to be just and compassionate with our brothers and sisters of every race, status, and creed. Strengthen us in that grace and lead us forward in the light of your prophetic word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. In his name we pray. Amen