Today’s scripture: Isaiah 1:21-31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
How the faithful city
has become a whore!
she that was full of justice,
righteousness lodged in her —
but now murderers!
Your silver has become dross,
your wine is mixed with water.
Your princes are rebels
and companions of thieves.
Everyone loves a bribe
and runs after gifts.
They do not defend the orphan,
and the widow’s cause does not come before them.
When I read this passage of Isaiah, I was reminded of the United States today, especially the last two lines. It seems that politicians today care more about BIG MONEY than the orphan and the widow.
There are many instances in the First and Second Testaments that mention that we should take care of the widows and the orphans. During biblical times, women and children had no rights. They needed a man to take care of them, to speak for them, to make sure they were alright. Because widows and orphans did not have a man to ensure their safety and welfare, it would be up to the community to take care of them.
Today, I would paraphrase that section of Isaiah to say, “They do not defend the poor, and the poor’s cause does not come before them.” Rather, the politicians today try to lessen whatever help the poor receive. They state that the poor are lazy, criminal, and want to live off of the government.
Jesus commanded us to love one another. And what better way to demonstrate love and kindness and the compassion of Jesus than by reaching out to the least of these among us?
Thought for the day: Jesus said that those who show mercy to the poor, the sick, and the needy are in effect ministering to Him. How are you ministering to Jesus?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.