The Fast Of G-d

While reading in the book of Isaiah I ran across a passage that really got my attention. It's not that I haven't read it before it's just that , for some reason ,it spoke loudly to me.

Isa. 58:6 -7 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:To loose the bonds of wickedness,To undo the heavy burdens,To let the oppressed go free,And that you break every yoke?Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;When you see the naked, that you cover him,And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Lately I have read plenty of stories of many of the “sanctuary cities” and their homeless populations. I have read of tent cities in tourist areas, used needles everywhere, as well as public defecation. I have also read where local “authorities” have forcibly removed the homeless, and have destroyed what little they have. I am not saying that these conditions are something that should be tolerated but I do think there has to be a better way to handle it rather then just trying to hide away the problem.

I have also read where good people have tried to help. Everything from free shampoos and shaves, to food and shelters. Churches and Synagogues and their members, literally out on the streets giving out blankets and personal items. Children and older folks giving out sandwiches or lemonade. Honest and good people trying to do what's right.

Many of those same people, all over the country, by the local governments, have been stopped. Many fined ridiculous amounts and some even arrested, and their equipment taken, and sent to jail for simply wanting to help.

Back before the “great society” was pushed by the politicians, this so called “war on poverty,” Americans took care of each other. Even during the depression many people sacrificed to help out their neighbors as best as they could. They didn't need the government telling them to do it, or forcing taxes out of them to pay for it, they did it because it was the right thing to do. Now individuals and groups are told they cannot help, so where does that leave the homeless and the helpless? Stuck.

If we as a people went back to the “old school” way of thinking as is spoken of in the verses above(5-7) we would be so much better off. Might even solve most of our major problems. This is a promise of G-d.

Isa.58 8-11 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. 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,If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul,Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

How we treat the poor and needy in this country says a lot about our future ,or lack thereof.

Peace out.