Daily Devotionals

october 7, 2020

If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
    with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
    and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
    and your night will become like the noonday.
 The Lord will guide you always;
    he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
    and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
    like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
    Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. 

 

Isaiah 58:9-12

Throughout my life, I have frequently been asked about my “real name.” The questioners assume that Barry is a shortened version of a longer name. I’ve joked with them, offering such possibilities as Barrold, Barrymore, or Barrance. But the truth is, my real name is Barry. It’s what is written on my birth certificate. I’ve also never really had a nickname. A few suggestions over the years have been quickly dismissed. My name is Barry. That is enough. 

 

But if you want to call me something else, I would love to be called “Repairer of Broken Walls” or “Restorer of Streets with Dwellings” from today’s passage. They were new names that Israel was promised, but they came with a condition. Attention to the needs of the poor and oppressed, fighting against injustice, and “spending yourself in behalf of the hungry” are listed as part of those conditions. When we work to pay attention to these needs, God responds by making us light, by strengthening us and satisfying us, and by making us like a well-watered garden. And by giving us new names: “Restorer” and “Repairer.” 

 

I can’t think of something better for someone to call me. So I will purposefully and intentionally make social justice issues a part of my life. Participating in a project that helps to feed the homeless and teaching English to immigrants and refugees are two things that I do because they matter to my heart. And they matter in God’s Kingdom. They are what God calls us to do.

 

I don’t do this Kingdom work or talk about it in order to earn accolades or admiration but instead to encourage and challenge you to find the right ways for you to care for those who desperately need our love and attention. May each of us passionately pursue the values of the Kingdom. And may each of us be known as “Repairer of Broken Walls” or “Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” May it truly be so.

For Reflection


In what specific ways can you participate in addressing the needs of the hungry and the oppressed in our city?


What would it mean for you to be known by God as “Repairer” or “Restorer”? 

Prayer


Lord Jesus, You told us that we serve and care for You when we serve and care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Please give us strength, courage, and commitment to be intentional in how we answer Your call. May You be honored and glorified as we come to be known as “Repairer” and “Restorer.” In Your name we pray, Amen.

Dr. Barry Gaeddert
Pastor for Spiritual Formation
404-842-2194