November 9 | Isaiah 1:1-4, 10-20, 5:1-13

Elaine Pierce
Nov 9
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Godly Justice

By Elaine Pierce

What is one quality God expects to see in his people? Let's look at Isaiah 1:17 and 5:7b:

learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

The prophet Isaiah does not mince words. God is not pleased with his people. He has given them plenty of food, a fertile land, and many people to do the work to build a fine nation. But "they have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him (1:4). Isaiah paints a grim picture, doesn't he? Is there any hope for people like this? You better believe there is! We, too, have gone astray. Our priorities are out of whack, and just because we are 'enlightened modern men and women' doesn't mean we are not sinful through and through.

Isaiah points out that this "sinful nation" is so wrapped up in itself that it fails to care for the fatherless and the widow, those among them who had the least. While they might "spread their hands in prayer" they are not truly seeking the Lord, and he sees through their hypocrisy.

What is the solution? Verses 18-20 provide the answer:

"Come now, let us reason together:, says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

We know the one who can wash our sins away, don't we? Only Jesus, only Jesus, can save us. He saves us for all eternity, but during our time here on earth, let's rededicate ourselves to helping those in need. Many of us, me included, are blessed materially. How can we help those less fortunate? Ask God how you can serve 'the least of these.' UALC supports a wide array of ministries :- help for those who lack hygiene (Divine Dignity, God's Hygiene), life and hope for the preborn (Pregnancy Decision), food assistance (Lutheran Social Services), helping immigrants learn English (Festa). And, my friends, I am scratching the surface of the many ways we help our neighbors, both here in Columbus and around the world. Check our https://www.ualc.org/partners for more ways you can get involved.

Isaiah doesn't pull any punches. God wants us to follow him with full hearts. Micah 6:8 summarizes his call to his people:

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly wit your God.

May it be so, today, tomorrow, and each day moving forward.

PRAYER

Lord, I'm comfortable. I have so much, and I am grateful for food, shelter, and clothing, and so much more. Help me to share what I have with those less fortunate, and to care for the fatherless and the widow. Show me how to serve, how to love, how to share your love with others. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!