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 it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:6-8
It's so easy to dismiss these verses and not think of them as literal. Especially in a society in which we are so private and hold safety such a high priority. I want to live these verses out, they challenge me to the core. But they are so counter-cultural...letting the homeless into your own home, being face to face with the oppressed, sharing your meal with the hungry.... We are so afraid to take risks, to step out on a limb. We cling to our material possessions and our status quo lives. We think that by doing these things we are being dangerous, not smart, irrational. Lord, teach me to follow Your beautiful, overflowing with love, upside-down ways. For they are so far above and beyond this world.
