In Isaiah, chapter 10, we learn of the Assyrian people, who ordered unrighteous acts upon God’s people. God said, 1“woe unto them that order unrighteous acts”. For in these things, they have caused the people to be in bondage. These people were forced into a lifestyle that they did not agree with, because of the laws that were pushed upon them. Many people were affected in these times, but most importantly were the poor, needy, widows and the fatherless. They were treated the worst. The Assyrians would come at them very harshly and not care for them the same as others. And because of these things, the poor had no justice at all. The rights and even their needs were taken away. And when it came to the widows, they were treated without respect and often robbed of their goods. The fatherless was also attacked in a similar manner.
Now, in all this, the Assyrians were not left victorious in their efforts, but were punished by God. All their titles, honor, as high people in their cities, were laid low before God. They did reap what they have sowed upon others. Because of the multitude of their sins, they were among the slain and would not escape the sword. Speaking of God and His dealings with these people, it says, 1“his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” To the Assyrians, God said, 1“O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.” Because of what they have done, they would soon know His anger towards them first hand. These same people were a 1“hypocritical nation”. They also had 1“idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria.” Which God would soon destroy. So now that we understand the effects that the people of Assyria had upon the people of Israel, we will now see how this relates to what is happening in our day.
In the day that we live in, there are laws that says that if a licensed priest or pastor does not marry a homosexual couple, that same person will go to jail. China is cracking down on Christian Churches, closing many and are even burning bibles, while pressuring them to give up their faith and therefore, give way to the communist party. This has caused people to go underground to believe in God, or else risk going to jail for their beliefs. This is very similar to how the Assyrians were pushing their teachings and laws upon people. Now, in regards to the poor and the homeless, they are often looked down upon in our society. People speak ill of them and often say things like, “oh, they could easily have a job. Why would I help them? They will probably just spend it on drugs or alcohol.” Therefore, their preconceived notions have caused them to treat these people wrong, and therefore, left un-helped.
When it comes to caring for the needy, Jesus gave us a great example of this in the parable of the good Samaritan. 2In that teaching, the priest and teacher walked right past the person who was almost dead, while the Samaritan stopped and cared for the man, while feeding him and giving him a place to rest. In this, he showed true compassion. This same kindness is often not seen in our day, as the homeless are left with their signs, while the people walk right past them, without any regard for their needs. The poor are also left in dire straits. These people struggle to pay for their food or groceries, while people just watch and don’t step up to help. This then forces them to walk away and suffer. Among many of these people that cause such harm upon others are into idolatry. Some may have their own gods or even worship idols, like Mary. But with all these wicked that push their laws, evil intentions and treat people so unkindly, God will punish them, come judgement day. His wrath if upon them, lest they repent.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, our God. I know that the day we live in has greatly increased in its wickedness and abominations. Surely, Your judgments are upon the wicked and their evil deeds. So many of our Christian beliefs have been trampled upon because of the society we live in today. Instead of allowing pastors to teach on marriage between husband and wife and against homosexuality, they often are in trouble because of this. And if they do not marry such people, they are put in jail and fined. This brings me so much sadness for their families and what they are going through, for Your cause. Surely, the persecution in China and other countries is great and the people of faith need You to help carry them through it. I know that You also gave a great example of the good Samaritan, but people have also discarded that teaching as well. So the poor, the needy and the homeless are left in dire straits. Their needs are not being met because so-called Christians do not comfort them, but instead walk right past them. Lord, convict such people of their sins. Help them acknowledge that only thinking of themselves is evil and will not be tolerated. It is time, Lord, for people to be accountable to their faith. Cast out every idol out of their lives and instead give them over to showcasing true love towards one another and You. Cut the hypocrisy out of their lives. Help every Christian to stay in line with your teachings and keep the faith, even until the end. I love You. I trust in You, God. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Isaiah 10:1-11 (KJV)
1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
2 To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.
8 For he saith, Are not my princes altogether kings?
9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? is not Hamath as Arpad? is not Samaria as Damascus?
10 As my hand hath found the kingdoms of the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;
11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?
2Luke 10:25-37 (KJV)
25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
