Everybody Loves Judy
Sure the words are wonderful, but they are not the reason we love her.
Reference: v.17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I know this incredible woman called Judy. Whenever I see her she wraps her arms around me and tells me how much she loves me.
All I can do is smile when Judy looks me straight in the eye and says, “I am so proud of you. You are such an incredible kid.”
Judy is well loved by so many people, and yet, I think I can speak on behalf of all these people to say that, we don’t love Judy for the words she says. Sure the words are wonderful, but they are not the reason we love her.
The reason we all love Judy is because she gives love to everyone she meets. She bakes cookies for the church morning tea, she has fostered nearly 100 children, she cooks meals for families in need, she’s mentored children in primary schools, she dedicated hours to care for her elderly mother, she shows great appreciation to any waiter who comes to her table, and she goes out of her way to add love to everyone’s life.
Judy’s words of encouragement are amazing, however, we all love Judy because she lives out those words throughout her whole life.
Application: When the prophet Israel spoke God’s words to the rebellious Israelites he told them to change their actions.
He didn’t say that their words or their religious rituals were incorrect, he told them to change what they DO.
These instructions to the Israelites can be the same instructions that God would give us today. If we want to praise God, He would tell us to seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow.
That is true praise and worship of our mighty God.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the people in our world who truly embody your instructions by helping others. May we honor you with our words AS WELL as with our actions. Amen.
How can you honor God with your actions?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.