Friday

December 16
Scott Street

For I, the Lord, love justice,
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:8

God always does what is right and just and wants us to love justice as well. He expects us to interact with Him and others in a just manner. Through his Son we have been given the perfect example of how to justly respond to whatever we encounter. Our Savior suffered great injustice at the hands of political and religious leaders and even some of those who followed him. Jesus, however, showed mercy and willingness to forgive. Thankfully, when we act unjustly toward others, God hears our prayers of repentance and looks with mercy on us and gives us grace.

Isaiah then provides a specific sin. The verse states the obvious, God “hates robbery” but then says “for burnt offerings.” For example, using the proceeds of a theft to show our love for God just compounds the iniquity. God rejects the donation to a charitable organization that comes from stolen money or the tithe that was made possible by cheating on taxes. Giving such “offerings” makes God an accessory to our theft.

God will identify those activities that we should do in His name. He promises to lead us and help us to serve with sincerity.

We know the promises God made to the Israelites. Believers embrace a covenant from God as well.  Romans 3:23-24 tells us “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Being eternally grateful for the unmerited favor God shows us allows us to step out confidently in his service. 

Merciful Father, help us to be your servant and to perform works that bring you delight. We pray for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives that we might bring justice and peace to all. Amen.