Others’ Suffering
Are you aware of others who are suffering?
We’re living in the strained uncomfortableness of our times.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory” (Isaiah 61:1-3).
I’ve heard it said many times over the last several months (really years!), “I just wish we could move on and return to our normal lives.” Of course, this is a reference to the ongoing intense emotion and suffering we’re experiencing from the pandemic, the racial, social unrest, and the disconcerting world events. There’s a lot of anxiety and passion everywhere we turn. It’s not surprising that many of us want to move on. I think we’re all aware that our lives are not as tightly controlled by us as we previously believed. We’re living in the strained uncomfortableness of our times.
Personally, I’ve found that when I’m uneasy about a situation in my life, whether it’s relational or circumstantial, God is usually allowing it, not to crush me, but to bring His healing in my life. I’ve also found that I need to be in it, instead of running away or pretending it’s not happening.
God seems to want our attention. To engage in His view of the world, especially what His healing looks like through His restorative justice. And, boy, oh boy, do we need this in our lives and relationships right now! God’s restorative justice tells us who God is, how He specifically relates to us, and how He wants us to relate to those around us.
Look at the action verbs above: “to bring,” “to comfort,” “to proclaim,” “to release,” “to free,” “to tell,” “to declare,” “to give,” “to prophesy.” Each one is a powerful action related to restoration and healing for those who feel weak, marginalized, or powerless. Do you feel weak right now? Are you aware of others who are marginalized or powerless? Have any of these actions come to mind for someone around you?
If yes, then keep asking God to give you more opportunities to bring His restorative justice to others. He will! If not, then ask God to give you His eyes to see the suffering of others the way He sees it. His ears to listen the way He listens. And His mind to think as He thinks. Bottom line, Isaiah 61 speaks specifically and powerfully to God’s commitment of restorative justice to each and every one of us and our purpose to join Him in bringing it to others.
