“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? (Is. 58:6)
These days there is much talk in our nation about social justice. The politicians, media, and educators who dominate our culture often lay the blame for injustice on various groups and individuals so they can excuse and justify the anger and violence of those they deem oppressed. They are not aware that the word of God states emphatically that all human beings are all guilty of sin. There is no one who is righteous before God.
This is why Jesus died to save us from our sins, because we cannot help ourselves in any way to achieve right standing before God. Isaiah here reminds us all of our powerlessness as he chastises the Jews for their self-righteous attitude which undergirded their charitable and religious deeds. Acts of religious piety were supposed to be performed with sorrow for one’s sins and as a sign of repentance. Yet then, as now, many of those who perform religious acts, go to church, or make charitable donations do so with false or selfish motives. Some perform religious or noble deeds to build up their self-esteem, make others admire or praise them, or as an attempt to atone for their sins.
The Lord does desire that His people to work for justice with mercy, out of love and obedience to Him. He desires that we share what we have to help those who are in need, the poor, the sick, refugees, aliens, the lost. He wants His people to give not just their money, but their time and talents as well. After all, His people are His agents in the world, called to build His Kingdom, shine His light, not their own. The Lord desires that His subjects not live a life of indolence, ease, and self-aggrandizement while so many people are suffering because they lack the basic necessities of life, things that we have, yet take for granted. And billions of people are living and dying without Christ. If we want to be lifted up we do so by lifting others up in the name of Jesus, asking nothing in return, no matter the cost to us.