QT 9 Nov 15, Isa 58:9-11, Expressing our faith

Isa 58:9-11 (ESV) Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

 the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

10  if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

 then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.

11 And the Lord will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.

NOTE: The emphasis of the passage, and the previous verses, is twofold, in my mind. First, the individual's faith is expressed in kindness and non-judgment of others. My interest should not be in what they do but in who they need to know (which is Jesus). The second part of a correct expression of faith is a concern for hungry and afflicted, people in need and in distress. These two aspects best describe the expression of faith that God wants to see in his children. And God desires to partner with these men and women of faith. He wants to use them as a light, to guide them to places where he can use them, and cause them to be a refreshing spring to those around him. Lord, this is the person I desire to be, a kind and giving person whom you can use to water your creation.