02/08/2026
Bring an End to Oppression: Isaiah 58:1-12
LouAnn shared a beautiful message this morning about being prisoners of our own perspectives and it often will not change until we have a chance to sit in another's seat. She shared that there is hope that simple acts can overcome cruelty!
The prophet Isaiah was speaking to the people who felt they were separated from God, similar to how the two buildings were separated from each other. The prophet Isaiah told the people what kinds of things help build connections between God and the people. Here are the things Isaiah said:
• Help others with their heavy burdens. Speak kindly of others. Feed the hungry. Heal the sick. Care about the poor, the hungry, and the homeless.
When we do these things, we are like a light that shines in the darkness. We become a help to others. We build strong connections or what we call “healthy relationships” between God, ourselves, others, and the Earth.
Isaiah 58 The Lord says, “Shout as loud as you can! Tell my people Israel about their sins! 2 They worship me every day, claiming that they are eager to know my ways and obey my laws. They say they want me to give them just laws and that they take pleasure in worshiping me.”
3 The people ask, “Why should we fast if the Lord never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention?”
The Lord says to them, “The truth is that at the same time you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers. 4 Your fasting makes you violent, and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers? 5 When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that?
6 “The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. 7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.
8 “Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond.
“If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry. 12 Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses.”
