Understanding God's Heart For The PoorSample

A Lifestyle That Pleases God   

If is very often followed by then. Maybe as a child you were told, "If you eat all your vegetables, then you can have pudding!"  In Isaiah 58, we have the most glorious if and then. Isaiah gives voice to the kind of fasting God wants us to undertake:

“Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you; let the oppressed go free; remove the chains that bind people; share your food with the hungry; give shelter to the homeless; give clothes to those who need them; and give help to relatives who need it.”

It is a passionate call to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly before the Lord.

God says if we live like this, then...

“Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. Your light will come like the dawn; the darkness around you will be as bright noon! The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing stream. Then the Lord will be your delight.”

There is a direct link between how we choose to live and the extent to which we enjoy God's blessings. Each one of us are accepted by grace alone, but as his children, the more we act in accordance with his ways, the more we experience the abundance of his blessings.

Reflection

The Lord longs to see justice established on the earth. He calls us his people, to act on His behalf so there is freedom, comfort, and healing for those who are captive and oppressed. There is nothing that delights Him more than when we act to bring salvation in the fullest sense to those who need it most.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that you would not find in me someone who is eager for your blessing yet slow to bless others. Create in me a pure heart and stir me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with you all my days. Amen.