活出善行，本是應當（賽十）中英bilingual
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Living Out Good Deeds is Our Duty
(Isaiah 10)
"Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, to deprive the needy of justice and to rob the poor of My people of their rights, in order that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans. Now what will you do in the day of punishment, and in the devastation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?" (Isaiah 10:1-3)
During the fifty-two years of Uzziah's reign, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and sought the Lord, and God made him prosper and made the nation strong and prosperous. However, this also brought about social injustice, materialism, and superficial worship. In the fifth chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the Song of the Vineyard illustrates how Israel should have produced the fruit of righteousness but instead produced sin, which drew the prophet's rebuke. In the year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah was called to be a prophet. Verses 1-2 of this chapter speak of those in power who enacted unjust laws, using the system to oppress the poor, widows, and orphans. God used Assyria as a tool to judge Israel, but Assyria would also be judged for its pride and arrogance. At the same time, God preserved a remnant, causing them to turn back and rely on Him, revealing that God executes justice as well as salvation and rules over all things.
One of the core elements of the Mosaic Law in the Old Testament was the protection of vulnerable groups in society, including orphans, widows, resident aliens, and the poor. Through specific regulations such as the gleaning laws, the remission of debts, and not seizing the necessities of life, it ensured that economic resources could be distributed to those in need. It taught people to share and support one another and to live out a life of loving God and loving one's neighbor. However, if a person turns away from God in their heart, it becomes easy to use the system for personal gain without caring about whether others suffer loss because of it.
In human relationships, no one is stronger than others in every single aspect. There are always times when we need to ask others for help. Nabal in 1 Samuel 25 is a negative example: although he was wealthy, he refused to help David, who had protected his shepherds, revealing his selfishness and stubbornness. Conversely, there are many positive examples in the Bible, such as Boaz in the Book of Ruth. He not only kept the law, but actively protected and provided for the poor Ruth, giving her the assurance of a livelihood and living out God's desire for people to love one another.
"For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'" (Deuteronomy 15:11)
"One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed."
(Proverbs 19:17)
We must be careful in our hearts and examine whether what we do causes loss to others. Do not ignore those in need around us. After services, communicate and share more about the bits and pieces of life with everyone. Learn to care for others with the love of God, live out justice and mercy in our daily lives, and become people who please God.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
By Liu Wen-que
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