Isaiah 58 is a fascinating piece of scripture. Fascinating for so many reasons, but the one I want to focus on today is the relationship between our care for the poor and oppressed and God's hearing of our prayers.
Isaiah 58 begins with a nation fasting, dressing itself in sackcloth, declaring sacred days, and then wondering why God doesn't seem to listen to their prayers. "We've declared a sacred day, we've denied ourselves, why O' God haven't you listened to us?" And God's answer is both confronting and informative. The first thing he does is point out the hypocrisy of the nation's fast: "Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers." (3) Religiosity doesn't please God one bit. He has more important things to pursue.
The second thing he does is tell them what sort of people he wants them to be, and then and only then will he listen to their prayers. "Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free." (6) and if they do: "Then shall you call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say: 'here I am'." (9)
There is a nexus between mercy and prayer; between a compassionate heart and prayer. God knows the proud from afar, but is near to the humble. We must not, we cannot forget that genuine relationship with God beats with a heart of prayer, and this is not possible, this cannot be, unless our hearts echo his and fill with compassion for those who desperately need it.
Until we release the bonds of the oppressed, we will call, but he will not answer.
So while you're thinking it might be a good idea to show some mercy, here are two links that I think are precious in the mercy they extend: The Grey Man and Compassion Australia
Blessings to you, and may God hear your prayers,
d
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