‘DO JUSTICE, LOVE KINDNESS’
Isaiah 58 tells about God’s people fasting without proper
motivation. They try to please God, but God does not accept their
fasting because he knows they are serving their own interests,
oppressing their workers, quarrelling and fighting.
The Lord requires of us not sacrifices “…but to do justice, and
to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
“…Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the
oppressed…” (Isaiah 1:17)
“If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light
upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward,
and goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord
will protect you from behind.” (Isaiah 58:9)
In the midst of our darkness, it is hard to remember there are
those experiencing much more pain and suffering.
Our sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer.
At Christmas, she had just finished several months of chemotherapy
treatments, had lost her hair, and now faces a mastectomy. This is
not evident when you see her. She’s a working mother who reluctantly
reduced her work schedule to 40 to 45 hours per week. Her wig looks
natural although a slightly different style. The cancer goes
unnoticed until she appears with a scarf on her head --- a silent
reminder. She’s scared of what she battles but trusts God to help
her through, as he did almost two decades ago with a different
cancer. God’s light is steady, and shines through us even in the
midst of our darkness.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your glorious light
into the world. We praise you for the healing and protection only
you can provide. Help us to be kind, seek justice, and walk humbly
with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Nancy Day
