May 18 Reflections

May 18

How does God’s call for justice through the prophets challenge us today?
What changes can you make in your life to better align with God’s call for justice in society?
What parts of our Christian culture would the prophets speak against if they walked into our society?
Consider: Repeatedly, the prophets called Israel to repent and return to the Lord for their disobedience as His chosen people. The prophets consistently commanded Israel to repent of 3 main sins: idolatry, religious ritual, and social injustice. The verses listed this week highlight the sin of social injustice within Israel. As God’s people, Israel should have protected the vulnerable in their society. God speaks repeatedly of their care for the widow, the orphan, and the sojourner. These people were subject to abuse and oppression by the powerful. As those carrying the name of Yahweh, Israel was to respect and protect instead of abusing them like the pagan nations around them. Likewise, as Christians, we should see the value and worth of those on the margins of society. They are vulnerable. The Church is called to love them as Jesus did.

May 19 Reading