Day 22: A force to be reconciled.

 [If you want to know how and why this devotional came into existence feel free to read this]

What you will need:

• A Bible
• This Devotional
• Some Coloring Utensils
• And a print out of this awesome coloring sheet designed by Joel Swick (Instagram and Dribble)

(Here is the week 1, week 2 and week 3 sheets if you want them)

Theme:  Break the Bond of Injustice

Passage for March 22nd 2017: Isaiah 1:10-20

Bars from “Blessings”

They booked the nicest hotels on the 59th floor
With the big wide windows, with the suicide doors…
I'm at war with my wrongs, I'm writing four different songs
I never forged it or forfeited, I'm a force to be reconciled
They want four minute songs
You need a four hour praise dance performed every morn

A Thought:

Some verses in the scriptures are quoted often in church. One of those familiar verses, for me, is fromtodays passage. The prophet tells us in Isaiah 1:18: 

though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
    they shall become like wool.

I have always found this comforting. As I turn back to the Lord from my rebellion, the scripture reassures me that God will wash me clean of my sin. While this is certainly true, there is a specific context Isaiah talks is talking about this forgiveness. 

The people of God have been participating in systems that made vulnerable populations of people more vulnerable. As we are seeing this week, these communities have a unique place in the Lord’s heart. God is promising that as we become aware of the ways we sustain networks of injustice, God will forgive us. This, for me, is beautiful and wonderful news. Unjust systems have a knack to become familiar, and the people most harmed are often times invisible. This creates a strange phenomena where, as I become of aware corruption, I know I need to repent and ask for forgiveness for hurting vulnerable people but there is no one to whom I can repent. This is why I am thankful, Isaiah 1 assures me see our God acts as the mediator.  As I become aware of how my life is unknowingly benefited by systematic injustice, it is comforting to know, that as I stop participating in those systems, the Lord offers me forgiveness. 

When we turn from these injustice and become reconciled with God we become a force who is creating beauty in the world. Forces, who instead of sewing seeds of brokenness, are creating new and beautiful ways of expressing what God is doing in the World. The process of undoing our entanglement with unjust systems is a process where we are continually convicted about how we are, through ignorance or apathy,  harming what God created as very good. The Lord is faithful to cleanse us of our sin in order make us part of the counter movement fighting injustice. Let us take Him up on His offer. 

Here is the question I am thinking about today: In what ways have I contributed to injustice that I need to be washed clean?

Mediation: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

As you read the passage today what phrase sticks out? Focus on it, and as you color this today ask the Lord to make help make you knew. Allow the Lord to convict you and help press you into new and beautiful was of operating in the world.