Read: Isaiah 11-12
Verses chosen for reflection:
Isaiah 11:3-4 "He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Reflect
When studying the Gospel of Luke in the seminary, we were once asked the question: "Is God bias towards the poor?" At that time, I was trying hard to understand what the lecturer was asking. I mean, why was there even an assumption that God was "bias"? How can He be since we are told in the Scriptures that He is just and upright?
At some level, I do understand what the lecturer was getting at since the Gospel of Luke was written with an emphasis on how Jesus cared for the poor and outcasts. There was indeed, an underlying theme in the Gospel that Jesus looked out especially for the poor. However, we cannot say that God is "bias". Rather, He was looking out for those whom the rich and powerful had abused. Yet, God also cared for the rich and powerful. How else do we explain Jesus' constant rebuke of the Pharisees, partly because He wants to minister to their hearts?
Isaiah 11:3-4 points to this aspect of the heart of God. God sought justice and equity for the poor and meek; precisely because they had none. The powers of the society back then, and even now, had systematically shut the gates of justice and equity from those who could not afford it. In that context, God, who is Love, reached out to those whom the world had cast out and look down upon. Not only that, He sought to also strike at the arrogance of the wicked. Their days of conceit and pride would not be long lasting. All the wicked will face the wrath of God.
Relate
This portion of the book of Isaiah can be interpreted twofold. One, the promise of a godly King in the form of Hezekiah to bring about temporal relief from the evils of Israel.
Two, the future coming of the Christ; who shall deliver the poor and oppressed not only from the wicked; but also to offer salvation to all. Only those who are "poor" and meek enough to know that we are so in need of God; that salvation would be near and true.
In some ways, we as the children of God, ought to emulate Jesus who has a special place for those who are poor and oppressed.
Not saying that the rich and powerful are not worthy of the love of God; but that those on the opposite end of the spectrum need much help. Both in terms of the material and spiritual.
We ought to look out, care for and ensure that these persons have the opportunity to break out of the poverty cycle and at the same time to hear the Gospel. We ought to follow up sincerely with those whom we know are materially and emotionally in need; as we have been blessed in many ways to give and share. We should not hoard and spend much on ourselves, while remain cold hearted to the cries of the needy.
Indeed, the church should be a shining light with special regard for the outcasts because God had consistently been looking out for these. Hence, in our various circles of influence, let us follow the ways of our most compassionate God; who have a special heart for those whom few care about. Let us seek righteousness and bring comfort to those who have been trampled upon by the wicked and powerful. This is so that even those who are born into the hardships of life; can be refreshed and have the opportunity to know God.
Rest
Lord, guide us with your love and wisdom. Help us reach out to those who are poor and outcasts in the society. For You always care for them; and so shall we. This we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Jason
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