Isaiah 58:9b-12
9b If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
10 if you offer your food to the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness
and your gloom be like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually
and satisfy your needs in parched places
and make your bones strong,
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water
whose waters never fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to live in.
“… 10 if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness …”
The prophetic call throughout the Old Testament continually emphasizes care for the poor, afflicted, oppressed, and marginalized. While one of the primary duties of the kings and his court was to care for the orphans and widows – those that have no support or advocate, the role of the believers was to provide food, shelter, hope, and healing for those in need within their communities.
Today, those words seem particularly apropos in our society. While churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples continue to offer care to those in their communities who suffer need, it seems like the nation itself is pulling back on its responsibility for the less fortunate. Instead, there seems to an effort to enhance the well-off rather than lift up the poor. That contradicts the biblical and prophetic tradition of the Scriptures.
Isaish reminds us that caring for the poor, both in our personal efforts and within our greater government framework, is a light that shines beyond just the good work being done. It transcends national boundaries and offers hope to those throughout the world who look to our nation for hope, help, and healing. Certainly, such efforts begin at home with our personal charity and service. However, as citizens of our nation and world, we also are called to advocate for such charity and service from those who serve in our local, state, and national governments.
Prayer: Lord, you call your people to be a light to those who are poor, neglected, afflicted, and in need. Show me this day how I can help personally. Lead our nation to be a source of hope and healing for those in need. Amen.