Working the Neighborhood

This Sunday at Seneca Presbyterian Church, we are turning to one of the most challenging texts in all scripture. It comes to us from the wisdom of the great prophet Isaiah. Scholars believe that what we know as the book of Isaiah contains teachings from several generation of prophets who were schooled by Isaiah himself - the great prophet of the 8th century BC.

Our text for Sunday comes from chapter 58 (verses 1-12). This last section of the book probably dates from the time after the exile, when those who had been deported from Jerusalem to Babylon had returned home. They faced the challenge of rebuilding the city and the Temple. They also faced the challenge of discerning what it meant to be faithful to God. God's people had failed to be faithful. As a consequence, they had lost everything that was sacred to them: a king, the land, and the Temple. Now they had a second chance - and they did not want to fail again. But what was the key to faithfulness? Was it showing their devotion to God through pious and humble worship? Or was it something more?

As we read these words from the prophet, we sense a difference of opinion on the matter. But the prophet spoke clearly. Faithfulness to God meant faithfulness to the neighbor. If they were to fast - to deprive themselves in order to show devotion to God - what had to go was self - indulgence. Look to the need of your neighbor first - the need for food, for shelter, and for clothing - then you will know what it means to be faithful to God.

I invite you to read these powerful words and then to reflect with me:

• God's favor seems conditional here - IF you do this, THEN that will happen. Is that what you hear? If so, how do you respond?
• What echoes of the teachings of Jesus do you hear in these words?
• What are the marks of faithfulness and what are its rewards?
• Is this a requirement or an invitation?
• When have you felt like a "watered garden" or a living spring of water? When have you known a rich and deep inner joy that comes from being faithful to God?

On Sunday, we will celebrate the faithfulness of the saints of Seneca Presbyterian - your devotion to ministries of care and compassion for others. And we will seek to discern what more God is calling us to do. So pray for wisdom and join the dialogue!

FYI: the "yoke" spoken of here probably refers to the burden of paralyzing debt. And this was written when??