What Are You Supposed to Do?

Daily Reading: Isaiah 15-16

Scripture Focus: Give counsel; grant justice; make your shade like night at the height of noon; shelter the outcasts; do not reveal the fugitive; let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.” (Isaiah 16.3-5)

Devotional Thought: In this beautiful passage, the prophet Isaiah, with great emotion, urges pity on the Moabites.  His message surprises us because the Moabites were enemies to the Israelites.  This passage reveals God's heart for the sinner:

• Give counsel.  Moab's devastation was so swift, so complete, they did not know which way to turn.  They needed someone to show them the way.

• Grant justice.  Even though Moab had been harsh toward Israel, they had paid the penalty.  Now, they needed justice against their oppressor. 

• Shade.  Moab was as vulnerable as a fair-skinned child in the noon-day sun, as thirsty as a desert wanderer in scorching heat.  Isaiah urged compassionate relief for them.

• Shelter.  Cast out of their homes and country, the Moabites needed a place of shelter.

• Hide.  Pursued by their enemies, they needed a place of safety.

• Receive. "Let them sojourn among you."  Isaiah urged his countrymen to give the Moabites a place among them. Don't cast them off or herd them into refugee camps.

• Endure with them.  One day the oppressor will be no more.  Stay with these hapless Moabites in steadfast love.

All this was done for a people who had often plotted Israel's downfall.  These Moabites were the "sworn enemies" of Israel. 

When someone has wronged you, how do you respond?  What are you supposed to do?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me when I was your enemy.  You taught me to love my enemies and to pray for those who persecute me.  Help that to be a reality in my life.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 51.16-19

16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem;

19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.