By Eric Sapp
(Part 2 of "The Primer on Scripture and the Budget for 2009")
The first chapter of the Book of Isaiah begins with the prophet cataloguing the decline of the city of Jerusalem into injustice, where its former greatness is besmirched by its obsession with materialism and wealth. It is important to remember that the prophets are speaking against the government "rulers" and the nation as a whole. The prophets in scripture are not calling for individual piety and charity but for systemic societal/governmental reform. And they specifically challenge government leaders to remember that the nation’s leaders are called to help the powerless and those in greatest need, not those with the most power and money.
Isaiah clearly states what God expects of leaders: "Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow" (Isaiah 1:16-17). [note: he does not say, "cut federal funding for state child services"]
Here is what a true "Justice Sunday" should focus on from Jeremiah’s exhortation of the king about his responsibility as head of government: "Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. 16He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the Lord. 17"But your eyes and your heart are set only on dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood and on oppression and extortion" (Jeremiah 22:15-17).
Find the conclusion of this post here on Faithful Democrats