What do you think of when you remember the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? Many of us heard the story as children and knew that those people didn’t love God or serve Him. However, in looking at it through the eyes of adults, we often think that these two cities were condemned for their sins of perversion. At least that’s what I thought… till I read these verses in Ezekiel 16:
49 “‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. 50 They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.
Did you see that? Did you see what it was that saddened God’s heart? Yes, detestable things, pride and arrogance. But that’s not what jumped out at me. Look again! “Overfed and unconcerned with the poor and needy!” Some versions say they did not help the oppressed. The people of Sodom & Gomorrah hadn’t just grieved God because of their wickedness (hearts twisted or bent on doing wrong!) but because they overindulged in themselves and did not care for those in need.
Similarly, in Jeremiah 5, God addresses His concerns about Israel to Jeremiah:
2 “Their evil deeds have no limit;
they do not seek justice.
They do not promote the case of the fatherless;
they do not defend the just cause of the poor.”
Now meditate on these verses:
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
When we purpose to help those in need, defend the oppressed, and care for the needy, we are seeking justice! Jen Toledo defines justice in this way, “Justice is God’s correction of every violation of love.” What violations of love do you see around you? Racism, prejudice, bullying, belittling, loneliness, need? To see God’s Kingdom come into our realm of influence, we need to be ambassadors of His love, bringing justice and righting wrongs whenever the opportunity arises! Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s whispers and stomp on the enemy’s injustices!*
I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t want to be lumped in with the likes of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Even more, I want to please my Daddy! I want to purpose to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and walk humbly! Recently, I’ve heard God whispering an idea to help those in my part of the world. I will be moving in that direction soon and I’ll post when I do! What about you? Is God dropping ideas in your heart too? I’d love to hear them!
Live Loved!
*The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
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