Get the appThe Poetry Of JusticeSample
At first glance, verse 2 seems to paint a picture of God’s people doing all the right things: they seek him, they seem eager to know his ways, and appear to embrace God’s commands. They even ask God for justice to be revealed.
Certainly, if we are to grow as Christians, we do need to seek out our Heavenly Father daily, to know his ways that our lives might reflect his character and attributes. So what’s Isaiah really saying here?
The key words are found in the subtext: they seem eager, as if they were a nation that does what is right. On the appearance, they look righteous while ignoring the heartfelt implications of a genuine relationship with their Creator. As Christ himself said to the religious leaders (in Matthew 15:8), “These people honour me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.”
Why do you think the Israelites tried to look holy?
Scripture
About this Plan
For Christians, part of our call as citizens of God’s kingdom is working toward the common good and flourishing of all people, fellow image-bearers of our maker. But what does it look like to build justice in ways that reflect our Lord’s love and compassion? Isaiah 58 offers us a stunning and poetic guide for responding to the brokenness around us with the good news of God’s grace.
More
We would like to thank Dr. Kate Harrison Brennan, in conjunction with the Bible Society Australia for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://biblesociety.org.au
