Eyes to SeeSample

In Isaiah 58:10, we see a curious little phrase: “If you spend yourselves on behalf of the needy.” We might wonder — what does it mean to spend yourself? In other translations, we see this idea translated as “pour yourself out,” “give yourself,” and “draw out thy soul.”

When God tells us to spend ourselves on behalf of the needy, it is not simply a question of meeting needs but doing so with compassion and all we are—drawing out our souls and pouring ourselves out for others. We are to open the doors to the storeroom so that needy people can be fully satisfied. In John 10, Jesus explains to His followers that He lays His life down (John 10:11). Later, He calls His followers to do likewise, saying, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

The story of Esther in the Old Testament provides an example of someone who recognized that God put her exactly where she was and that He would accomplish His purposes through her actions and words. In a kingdom where the Jewish people are despised, somehow, it is Jewish Esther who catches the

king’s eye and is made his wife.

As the threat to the Jewish people rises, and they become subject to persecution, Esther’s cousin challenges her, saying, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”(Esther 4:14). It is through Esther’s brave acceptance of God’s call that God saves His people.

Like Esther, God invites us to recognize that He has given us gifts to accomplish His purposes—restoring all people in all their relationships—for such a time as this. God invites us to slow down and see the needs around us. He desires to fill our hearts with compassion and then invites us to spend ourselves in a way that loves as we would want to be loved.

He invites us to love others as we would want our own child to be loved. To love as if we were the homeless person, the family living without clean water, the sex trade worker, or the person living with addiction. It’s a tall order, but He promises His guidance and provision along the way: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)

Reflect:

• Spending ourselves on the needy feels costly—and it is. What fears does this call set off in you? How do you respond to those fears? How does God respond to them?

Pray:

Lord, I know that You place each of us exactly where You want us. I know that You call us to see the needs around us and to respond by spending ourselves on their behalf. Help me to see those needs and to be willing to respond in compassionate love. Amen.