ISAIAH 58

So I spent some time this morning...reading Scripture...talking to God...listening....

I started working on a devotional from our Women's event last night...and that was good. One of the things that Amber told us was to really work on listening to God. BTW - this is TOTALLY my weakness. And if you know me, you know why. It's hard to listen. It's hard not to talk. But I want to. And I want to grow in this area in ALL my relationships.

So...I tried.

And while I might not have heard anything directly... I did wind up in a part of Scripture that was not part of my plan...and now I can't stop thinking about it. So I will take that as God leading me there...and speaking to me through Isaiah.

So get this.

We're in Isaiah 58.

My Bible calls this passage "THE PROGRAM OF GOD FOR PEACE." I enjoy peace. So I read on. The beginning part of the scripture talks about the wrong kind of fasting...basically going through the motions instead of being purposeful...specifically in the areas where the poor are concerned. And he compares this sort of fast to the fast that is ACCEPTABLE to him...

Pick it up at Vs.6 (and keep in mind this is the fast the Lord WANTS)

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the
oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn
and your healing will quickly appearl
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

....skipping ahead to vs.11 (although you should read the WHOLE scripture when you have a chance.)

You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will
raise up the age-old foundations,
you will be called REPAIRER OF BROKEN WALLS,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Oh how I love this scripture...it gives such a beautiful glimpse into the heart of God and how desperately he loves his people. But he is the invisible God. We have to be his hands and feet. He is the God who is able. But He is also the God who withholds his power...because he wants us to be empowered. He wants us to show His love. He wants us to share, give, love, and bring peace into the world. He wants us to REPAIR THE BROKEN WALLS and RESTORE THE STREETS WITH DWELLINGS.

I don't want to get into politics on this blog. But it did make me ask the question... I wonder what Jesus would feel about nationalized health care? Regardless of the answer, I know what Jesus does want. He wants the church to be the church. He wants his people to show his love. He is CALLING us to give, help, and care for the needy, the hungry, the poor, the naked, the hurting. Honestly, I feel like if the government steps in, it gives the church an out. And we can't take the out. We can't ignore as scripture says "our own flesh and blood." We are called to loose the chains of injustice.

So what are we gonna do? I don't know about you, but I want Jesus to one day look at me and say, "I know you... you were a Repairer of Broken Walls." So it's time to get busy....