Isaiah 25:1-5

“For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat.” vs. 4

Isaiah became a prophet through a call that he had received in the course of a remarkable temple vision. It had been a shocking experience and he said “yes” to the Lord before they had become acquainted. But as the years passed and their relationship deepened, Isaiah came to know the Lord in a new and wonderful way. And what he discovered was that the Lord had a deep and abiding concern for people on the margins.

This psalm reflects that understanding of God as being good and gracious. Through all that has happened in the tumultuous history of Israel God had always been a refuge to the needy and a shelter for the poor in every time of distress. 

Isaiah’s words remind us that God has those same concerns in our world where the poor and the distressed have come to be seen as expendable. Our leaders talk of “collateral damage” in the context of military operations and don’t seem to care about “unintended consequences.” But we who are the hands and feet of God in every area of famine and conflict will do all we can to bring care and relief to those who are suffering. God hasn’t changed through the centuries. Humans are still violent and cruel, but God remains merciful and kind, and always has a heart for the poor.

Thought for the Day: If God takes care of the poor, why are they doing so poorly?