Contemplative Bible Reading

Isaiah 10:1-2 (New International Version)

¹ Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,

² to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.

Let’s start with verse 2: depriving the poor, withholding from the oppressed, preying on widows, robbing the fatherless. I certainly don’t do any of those things. Well, maybe if I gloss over these things quickly enough I can satisfy myself that I don’t do any of those things. Do I give freely to the poor, oppressed, widows, and fatherless? Well, I give, but how much? And more importantly, how do I give? Cheerfully? Full of love? Grudgingly?

Enough of me, let’s jump up to verse 1, things that governments do (not me): unjust laws, decrees that oppress people. I’m not in the legislature, so I am not guilty of any of these things. Well, I guess I do vote and send those people to the legislature who maybe then pass these oppressive laws.

When will God give me a break?

Oooops, He sent His Son to die for me so I would be clean in His sight. I guess that is a pretty big “break.”

God, help me to realize everyday the “break” you have given me. Help me to see the blessings I have. Let me give freely to those who don’t have all the material things that I have. More importantly, help me to lavish love on these and other people the way you have lavished love on me.