The Israelite of old and me in my time—we are both in the same spot with God: we both seem to want to run our own lives. On the outside, I keep all the laws of the land and of the church community (the ‘offerings’ and ‘sacrifices’), but, on the inside, I am really looking out for my own best interests.
God is calling for my heart and intentions to focus on God’s mission, towards God’s world right now on earth. God asks me to seek justice for those who cannot stand up for themselves, to encourage another who feels down. The heart of the matter is that God ultimately asks me to learn to do good for others and for God’s kingdom.
God, help me to be like you— desiring justice and encouraging the oppressed. Teach me what it means to “do good” in your kingdom and to “do good” for others. Amen. —