The prophets, justice, and mercy.

Today's texts: Isaiah 1:10-18; Psalm 32:1-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10)



Justice and mercy are strong themes throughout the Bible. The prophets in particular spend the bulk of their time on this subject. Contrary to what we may think based on what we read, see and hear these days, the prophets are not primarily interested in predicting future events. In fact, one might argue, as some have done, that the prophets don’t foretell, they forthtell: that is, instead of predicting future events (foretelling), they speak truth into the life and circumstances of God’s people (forthtelling).

So the theme of this week’s passage of Isaiah (1:10-18) is a common one in the prophets: all of Israel’s religious posturing in ceremonies and sacrifices is meaningless -- detestable, even -- because they are ignoring the poor and oppressed in their midst. The future events the prophets do describe often have to do with Israel’s response to the prophets’ words.

The prophets’ words say something to us as well. The call to us is the same as to Israel: loving God and loving our neighbours; right relationship with God and others. Where does that start? Not, it seems, in church attendance or other religious posturing. It starts in our behaviour toward those around us, with good deeds prompted by faith (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

This is not to say that what we do on a Sunday morning or in other “religious” settings are meaningless, but it is an empty gesture apart from a life lived for those around us. A life lived for others is a life lived for God.

This week's readings: Job 19:23-27a; Psalm 171-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20:27-38.