PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Isaiah 5-6
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“And he looked for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.” (Isaiah 5:7)
In this reading, God is angry at the worthless shepherds leading his sheep.
They are trampling the sheep while gorging themselves on their wealth.
Where do we hear cries of distress in our world today, the bleating of troubled sheep?
Who are the desperate, needy, oppressed, abused, neglected, mistreated?
And what are the shepherds (those called and able to help) doing about it?
Jesus comes as a good shepherd for the harassed and helpless sheep (Matthew 9:36).
He comes to care for the lost sheep, and to bring them into green pastures (Isaiah 5:17).
He spoke gently to the struggling sheep, but sternly to the selfish shepherds.
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8)
He is also looking for people whom he can send as his shepherds.
He has graced us so that we can grace others, to be compassionate to lost sheep.
Can you hear the cries of distress around you?
Will we be the kind of people that respond to these cries of distress?
When he calls us to care for his lambs, will we say “Here am I. Send me!” (6:8)
PRAYER
Lord, there is so much distress in the world, even in my own neighbourhood. Help me to hear, and to look for ways with your help to respond.
Empty fig trees, trees yielding no fruit, bad grapes only – the Lord has expectations of His people but his people spurn his grace – no wonder punishment came and wiped the land clean. All the selfish and gluttonous and boozing ways of God’s designated people – ignoring the God who gave them everything. I too must give account for my behaviour. Lord help me to bear fruit that lasts – that pleases you! I know I can with the help of your gift – help me to walk and serve in your way. That is my prayer – lead me, guide me along the way…to find ways that I may help those who need it!
People have rejected the Word of the Lord and the anger of the Lord God was against the people. The Light of the world was darkened because the people insisted upon their own way. And yet the Lord calls His own, like to Samuel. Do I hear His voice to lead and guide me? He takes away my sin and I need to respond to His calling. Make me an instrument of Your peace. Help me daily to LightShine Your Light. Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.