We, too, bear responsibility in how the oppressed are treated by our government.

11-14-19
Today’s devotion is based on Isaiah 1:15-17. “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Today’s passage tells us that even though a nation is proclaiming its love for God, what it is doing can still be abhorrent to God. In Isaiah’s time, the people were powerless. They had no choice in choosing their rulers. The rich and powerful controlled their lives.

In our time, we do have a choice. Our form of government allows us to have a say in how our government functions. This means that we also have a portion of responsibility in how the government functions. We, too, are to uphold justice, do right, and defend those who are oppressed.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things seen and unseen, I give thanks to you for the blessings you have bestowed on our country. Help me to recognize injustice for what it is, sin against you. Give me the strength and wisdom to act on behalf of those who are oppressed. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ​