Wednesday: Prophetic Voice – Part 2
Isaiah 58:1-14 provides a special prophetic message of rebuke and hope for God’s people in Isaiah’s time and for us today.
After an announcement that He is upset with His people (see Isa. 58:1), what is God’s description of those He is addressing? Read Isaiah 58:2.
Image © Lars Justinen Goodsalt.com
Though we don’t know the exact “tone of voice” expressed here, it is clear that the Lord is condemning their outward shows of piety and faith because He knows how false it all is. The NIV translates it like this: “ ‘For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God’ ” (Isa. 58:2, NIV).
Read Isaiah 58:3-14. What else is the Lord saying to these people about what’s wrong with their religious forms (in this case fasting)? What’s the bigger issue here?
Notice something crucial here: so often worship can be self-centered: Lord, do this for me and do that for me. And, of course, there’s a time and place for seeking the Lord for our own personal needs. But what the Lord is saying here is that true worship will include reaching out to “the hungry,” to “the afflicted,” and to the “poor.” But the amazing thing is that this ministry to others blesses not only the recipients of the help but those giving the help. Read what the texts say about what happens to those who reach out and help those who are in need. In ministering to others, in giving to others, we get blessed ourselves. Who hasn’t, at some point, experienced to some degree the reality of these promises from God? Who hasn’t seen what joy and satisfaction and hope come to those who help others who can’t help themselves? It’s hard to imagine a better way to reflect the character of Christ to the world.
| Read Acts 20:35. How have you experienced the reality of these words in your own ministry to others? |
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It is truly more blessed to give than to receive. When we make ourselves available to God and give of ourselves, our time, our means, God works thru us by his Holy Spirit, to give us the spiritual gifts that we need. We make a difference in the lives of others and God blesses us as a result. When we give love , we get love back from God. When we do little things, like sending a card to a sick friend, saying an encouraging word to someone who is discouraged, God blesses us and allows us to do greater things for him.
How can a Christian approach a government leader who is oppressive,abuse power and never minds about the poor?
When Jesus was on this planet, the Jews were governed by just such a government, but He didn't waste His time trying to talk to government leaders. He knew that His kingdom was not of this world, and He went about doing good. Wherever He had passed, people were affected by His good works. Rather than expecting the government to change, Jesus wants us to do what we can to help those around us who are in need.
I agree. The Jews were governed by a government of this world and Jesus did say that His kingdom was not of this world. So why are most Christians still governed by a kingdom that is of this world. For instance, we do something that is a "sin" or breaking the law and there has to be a payment made for that "sin" or breaking the law. Isn't that the kingdom of this world? Ellen White says, "...Every sin must meet it's punishment, urged Satan."
Ronald, without knowing what "approach" you have in your mind, most answers to a question like that is always the same. Pray. I know of no other logical, or reasonable method, or solution.
We on the little Island where I live near Australia have been disheartened by the death of another black person killed by local law enforcement officers and also those police killed by a ? black person. Who can I write to offer sympathy and support to the families in God's/Jesus' name?
Godbless today. Mrs A Stolz
It is probably more meaningful and practical to demonstrate sympathy and support to those in your own community who may be in need of it than to offer long-distance support to strangers on the other side of the world.
Sometimes it may be harder to be sympathetic and kind to our neighbours in real life than to strangers on the internet.
Good thoughts Inge. It is not easy to deal with ethnic prejudices with strong feelings. It is also difficult at times to know the difference between right and wrong. We have civil unrest in many of our countries including the USA. We believe that hatred serves no good purposes. Hatred means more than feelings. It leads to the possibility of losing ones salvation.
We are living in the last days of earth's history. The word of God says men's hearts will be desperately wicked and waxed cold. Satan knows his time is short and this is what he is doing if we allow him to use us. We need to get down on our knees and cry out as Isaiah says
How can we implement the following order found in the Bible?
"Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins." [Isaiah 58:1]
No one wants their sins to be talked about, and much less announced to the world like a trumpet!
Before applying that command to ourselves, perhaps we should make sure that we have been called to prophetic office?
In the meantime, it would seem wisest to apply the prophet's warnings to ourselves - to recognize our own transgressions and sins and to repent of them.
I think that in response to Nic's question about "how" to implement Isaiah 58:1, caution is appropriate.
In one place Mrs. White quotes the verse in question, and goes on to say that "This message MUST be given; but we should be careful not to thrust and crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have." Then she makes a specific application -- "We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at Catholics. Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians, and who walk in all the light that shines upon them; and God will work in their behalf." (Gospel Workers p.329)
Very interesting the comment, "...those who do not have the light that we have." Do we have all of the light? or are we still looking through a dark glass?
Larry, I suggest that both those questions are answered in the quote itself. The quote speaks of those in the Catholic denomination "who walk in all the light that shines upon them".
So, it is evident that we do not have all the light. God shines the light of His truth upon everyone and anyone that He can... it is a matter of degree. But to those that much is given, much is required.
Are we still looking "through a dark glass"? I expect you understand that the "glass" mentioned in 1Cor 13:12 refers to a mirror (or some kind of reflector). But again, a polished brass mirror [for example,] will reflect light and imagery only to the extent that it is polished.
If the reflector is tarnished (by tradition or a defiled conscience, etc.), then eternal realities will be seen very dimly, but if time and effort is taken to remove as much tarnishing as possible, then things will be seen more clearly. But the verse teaches that the imperfection of our knowledge must always be admitted. Today we all know "in part", and even the prophets prophesied "in part". Here our knowledge is always fragmentary, always incomplete -- we never see as clearly as we will be able to see in heaven.
Mrs. Stolz,
Just the thought of sending simpathy to someone so far away shows how much you care for your worldwide neighbors. All these things that are taking place in the US, tells us that Jesus is at the door. Like Mr. Anderson, I too believe that there may be someone in your community who will be touched and blessed by your act of kindness. Praying for the families of the slain officers and even the family of the attacker, is considered caring for your neighbor. Your thoughts alone shows how you are carrying out the command to love as Jesus loves.
I'm answering today's question in blue. Here's one of the ways that my church's Community Service department has found to help grieving families of ICU patients, while they wait to hear the news of their beloved one. We place bottles of water and small snacks (crackers, nuts, any snack that doesn't require refrigeration) in the waiting room at several hospitals in our county. The church members donate the food and water, which allows them to participate in the community service project. When I go to Cosco, I buy water and snacks in bulk for this project as well. The community service department has a budget, so they really don't need the members donations; but in doing so, it allows the members to have the experience of "this ministry to others blesses not only the recipients of the help but those giving the help", as stated in today's lesson.
Lovely initiative, thanks for sharing.
Dear Inge
This post is for you not necessarily for publication.
In the past you have helped me which I appreciated, however I was ataken back by the comment above to me and for others that it is not appropriate to offer sympathy and support to strangers, no matter where they are:
The world enters my living room via television every night, and you, are only minutes away with the advantage of email and the like. It is in my experience in the community where I live, that I have gained the experience and knowledge that folks appreciate someone reaching out to them. I won't send a list of what I do here in the Island community where I live with helping others. Enough to say I attend church on both days of the weekend, have leading roles in both, and consider SSNET part of my extended church family.
Although such is my personality if someone tells me I should not 'do' something that I wanted to, I try my hardest to find ways that I can - if possible. Indeed with pondering what was said, I realised I could google the address of the Dallas Mayor myself without asking for help and have done exactly that to let him know that from Norfolk Island, we are praying for the victims' families. (Not that far away via the internet).
I thank H E Bishop for those comments.
Godbless today, Mrs A Stolz.
Dear Mrs. Stolz,
I am choosing to publish your comment because my reply to you was public, and thus it is appropriate that your response is public as well. Besides, you demonstrate the Christ-like way to deal with situations in which others cause us distress. Our church would function so much more the way Christ intended if we all did that. So, thank you!
First of all, let me say that I deserve your rebuke. I was a bit startled myself when I read my own response later and realized how it came across. I am so sorry! (I thought that editing my reply would not be appropriate. So I'm glad you are giving me an opportunity to apologize.) Please forgive me for being brusque in my reply and not acknowledging your caring attitude.
I think we both agree that, given the choice, demonstrating caring to those around us is preferable to sending email messages to those on the other part of the world. 🙂 But as you so eloquently demonstrate, it is not an either/or question.
In wanting to contact people who are suffering, you are demonstrating a Christ-like response, and it is something we should all aim for. Each time we view suffering and do nothing at all, our hearts get just a little more hardened. In order to remain sensitive to the suffering of others, we need to actively do something in whatever way we can. If we can't do something for those we see on TV, we can pray for them, and we can do something for those who might be suffering locally. In many cases (thought not in this instance), we can send funds through ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency). (And, of course, we can even reach out through the internet, as you have demonstrated.)
I'm so glad you are part of our SSNET family. May your tribe increase!
This is what makes SSNET tick, frankness, honesty and Christ's love. God bless you ladies.
By the way, Mrs. Stolz, I appreciate your sharing a little of your local experience. It helps make our dialogue more "real.' 🙂
Stewart,
I will try one more time to respond to your comment. I will limit my comment to the following: My message is not directed at Catholics, but rather to the "Remnant" church. I hope this helps.
Dear Inge,
Thank you, forgiven, forgotten, - twice! Godbless you.
thanks to khutsang too.
A Stolz.
Regarding Isaiah 58 it must be pointed out that the Jubilee year began on the fast day of Yom Kippur (Leviticus 25:9). The Sabbath in Isaiah 58 is that fast day in which Israel was fasting but not returning land purchased back to the family or clan it belonged to. Also the Sabbatical years the release of debts was not be observed, thus the social laws of the Torah were being violated and the poor oppressed this would lead to the Jewish people being taken into the Babylonian exile for 70 years so the land could observe the Sabbaths our ancestors failed to keep.
First, why is the assumption that verse 1 shows God as “upset with His people”? If a sheriff comes to your door at 2:00 AM, pounding on the door and loudly telling you to hurry and leave your home due to an approaching wildfire, is he “upset” with you?
What follows verse 1 is a description of a people who act as if they are obedient to God, while being disobedient. They are only pretending to be His people while knowing nothing about Him. This is a deceptive state that God wishes to alert them to in order to save them.
“Though we don’t know the exact “tone of voice” expressed here”; Why not? Doesn't Jesus' life, teachings, and especially His death tell us the tone of voice?
As for the bigger issue: Truth and righteousness cannot be worn like a jacket on the exterior only. It must be eaten, digested and assimilated into the very heart of the soul, from where it will be displayed in the life through thoughts, words and actions that demonstrate the righteousness of the Law of God.