Tuesday, April 25 – Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do good;

Seek justice,

Rebuke the oppressor,

Obtain justice for the orphan,

Plead for the widow’s case.

When was the last time you were in a crowded place? Crowds can be overwhelming, especially in a busy setting like a mall or an airport. These environments can be so overwhelming that we do not see individuals anymore. It is impossible for us to focus on all the scenarios at once, so we either tune out the noise or focus solely on the task in front of us. Even when we are only surrounded by a crowd of friends and loved ones, we often are so consumed with our own plans that it can be hard to stay present in the moment.

In order to fulfill the call in today’s passage, we must learn to be present during the moments God has placed before us. We cannot seek justice if we do not know anyone facing injustice; we can’t rebuke the oppressor if we are consumed with our own agendas; we cannot get justice for the orphan if we don’t know any orphans; and we can’t plead for the widow’s cause if we never hear her plight. One reason Jesus’s ministry was so powerful was because even in the masses, He saw individual people. He slowed down to see injustice around Him and addressed it. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can also live this way. When we abide in Christ and His Word, asking for our eyes to see the opportunities to serve the oppressed around us, God will answer. His Spirit will direct us past our needs to see those of others. He can take that overwhelming moment in a crowd to help us see the individual who needs a helping hand.

• What are some needs around you that you are aware of?
• When are you prone to be so consumed with your needs that you don’t see the needs of others?
• Pray and thank God for how He sees people and cares for their needs. Ask Him to help you reflect His heart for others.