Learn To Do Good
The sacrifice of animals and other offerings in the ancient world was an important part of one's relationship with God. Yet, the prophets recognized that sacrifice must be accompanied by the work of justice. It is not enough to make offerings to God.
What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices?
says the Lord;
I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
and the fat of fed beasts;
I do not delight in the blood of bulls
or of lambs or of goats.
When you come to appear before me,
who asked this from your hand?
Trample my courts no more!
Bringing offerings is futile;
incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and calling of convocation—
I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity.
Your new moons and your appointed festivals
my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
When you stretch out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood. (Isaiah 1:11-15)
The offerings are futile. They are a burden to God. So, the prophet calls on the people to make a change.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove your evil deeds
from before my eyes;
cease to do evil;
learn to do good;
seek justice;
rescue the oppressed;
defend the orphan;
plead for the widow.
It is a series of prophetic commands. I wonder about the phrase "learn to do good." How are we being taught to do good? What's my curriculum for goodness? The passage goes on to name a few of the study subjects: justice, anti-oppression, advocacy for orphans and widows.
The Prophets in August
This month we are exploring together the four Revised Common Lectionary passages from Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Isaiah 5:1-7 (August 14)
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (August 21)
Jeremiah 2:4-13 (August 28)
A Benediction (Or Miscellaneous Thoughts)
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