And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10)
In this past Sunday's sermon, we were reminded that Isaiah 58 calls us to return to what was once a basic cultural value: sharing and caring.
There was a time where it was not unusual to see people, whether themselves rich or poor, freely extend a helping hand to neighbors in need. However, our pastor took the reflection on neighborliness to another level by referencing Exodus 23.
If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it. (Exodus 23:4-5)
We are called to demonstrate sharing and caring to those we know; to the stranger; to those who love us; and to those who hate us. The Exodus passage, in particular, makes it clear that the act of sharing and caring is risky. It may involve difficult or dangerous labor on our part. It may result in continued hatred or malice being poured upon us from our enemies and those who hate us. Our purpose in sharing and caring is not to gain friends nor accolades, but to make space for the light and love of God to be experienced through our actions. As Isaiah 58:10 reminds us, light can dispel darkness when God's people are found spending themselves on behalf of those in need. It is the sort of light that blesses others, and it is also the means by which our own petitions are heard and answered.
Pastor Sam asked a question on Sunday that I would like us to consider today: When is the last time we shared sacrificially?
Fast. Pray. Share. Care.
Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:13-14)
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