OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries
JANUARY 16, 2023
READ: Isaiah 58 (Focus vs. 6–12)
MEMORY VERSE
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
BACKGROUND
The horrific assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. happened at the height of the American civil rights movement of the 1960s. But just four days later, his widow Coretta Scott King courageously took her husband’s place in leading a peaceful protest march.
Coretta had a deep passion for justice and was a fierce champion of many causes. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
We know that someday God will come to deliver justice and right every wrong, but until that time, we have the opportunity to participate in making God’s justice a reality on earth, just like Coretta did.
Isaiah 58 paints a vivid picture of what God calls His people to do: loose the chains of injustice . . . set the oppressed free . . . share your food with the hungry . . . provide the poor wanderer with shelter . . . clothe [the naked], . . . and [do not] turn away [from those who need help]” (vv. 6–7).
Seeking justice for the oppressed and the marginalized is one way our lives point back to God. Isaiah writes that His people seeking justice is like the light of dawn and results in healing for them as well as for others (v. 8).
Today, may God help us cultivate a hunger for His righteousness here on earth. As we seek justice His way and in His power, the Bible says we’ll be satisfied.
By: Karen Pimpo
INSIGHT
The reference to fasting in Isaiah 58:6 is God’s response to an accusation the people had made against Him. They asked, “Why have we fasted, . . . and you have not seen it?” (v. 3). They expected God to respond to their fasting, but He saw it as a lifeless formality.
“You do as you please and exploit all your workers… You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high” (vv. 3–4). God wanted them to seek Him in true humility and to treat others fairly and compassionately—especially the needy (v. 7).
By: Tim Gustafson
APPLICATION
What’s one injustice that draws your attention? How could you take a step toward doing what’s just and right today?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“I hate all your show and pretense – the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies…Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty, flood of justice, an endless river of righteousness.” Amos 5:21-24
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…may God help us cultivate a hunger for His righteousness here on earth…”
PRAYER
“Give me a hunger for justice, God. Help me be a part of Your work in doing what’s right.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LET JUSTICE ROLL DOWN” Colin Gibson
Let justice roll down like a river,
Let justice flow down to the sea;
Let justice roll down like a river
Let justice begin through me.
Justice for all who go hungry,
Crying to God to be fed,
Left in a world of abundance
To beg for a morsel of bread.
Let justice roll down…
Justice for those who are homeless,
Victims of war or of need,
Trapped on the borders of nowhere,
Lost in the canyons of greed.
Let justice roll down…
Justice for all who are powerless,
Yearning for freedom in vain,
Plundered and robbed of their birth-right,
Silently bearing their pain.
Let justice roll down like a river,
Let justice flow down to the sea;
Let justice roll down like a river
Let justice begin through me.
Let justice begin through me.
Let justice begin through me.
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE DAILY IN 2023
GENESIS 39-40
MATTHEW 11