Isaiah 9:18-10:4
Reflect
What is important to God? What are the things that move His heart and cause Him to act in ways that we would not expect? One of the things that I find fascinating about the book of Isaiah in the passages of judgement (like we are reading today) is how they tell us of the things that cause God to respond or react. Think about it. When was the last time you were angry? If you can put yourself there and think about what made you angry, it's very likely that it was because something of value to you was impacted. God's anger, in a similar way, highlights what is close to His heart and what is really important to Him. So, what is God's anger against in today's passage? Gluttony and excess, disunity amongst God's people, oppression against the needy, and mistreatment of the poor, widows, and orphans. These are the things that cause God to rise up in anger and bring about the day of punishment and ruin. I think these things are still very important to God and we need to be often checking our hearts to make sure that these actions are not part of our life, consciously or even subconsciously. What is God inviting us into? Unity with one another, caring for those in need, becoming a people of refuge for the poor, widows, and orphans. That sounds a lot like things Jesus really cared about and continues to care about!
Pastor Daunavan
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders and our Small Group Intern, David Unsworth.
- Pray for the continuing ministry of International Student Ministries.