When the poor and sick in our city have no resources, the city sends them to motels for a short period. I was part of a ministry that provided burritos and prayer to those living in these motels. Every Wednesday, we drove to different motels, knocked on the doors, offered dinner, and provided prayer. Our ministry certainly felt like an image of Isaiah 1:17: Correcting oppression, bringing justice to the fatherless, pleading the widow’s cause.
One evening, I was called into a motel room to pray for an older man. I was told to prepare myself before entering the room because the man was alone and dying. The room was small, with a tiny twin bed pushed against the wall. It smelled strongly of bodily waste as the man was no longer able to get up. Everyone in the room prayed for this man, but I could not. I could not contain the emotions I felt over how this man was going to end his days alone in this motel room.
In Matthew 25:35–40 Jesus instructed His disciples to treat the “least of these” as they would treat Jesus Himself. As those who belong to His kingdom, God calls us to show no partiality (Deuteronomy 16:19) and treat people with kindness. We know systems and the people behind them are not perfect. But one prayer, one conversation, one burrito can help someone in a season of suffering feel seen.
The team that day could not deliver peace to this hurting man, but I know God did. That suffering man was not alone. Our prayers were answered that day, and I believe the man was met by God in love and was received into His presence in glory—not the filth that surrounded him. We mourned the injustice we saw while fighting for the dignity in his suffering that this man deserved.
Our hearts will continue to break for those who are living with all sorts of injustices. We can trust that God sees them and is acting on their behalf. And we can also trust that God provides for the poor by His goodness (Psalm 68:10).
As agents of God’s love, we can offer what we can, when we can. We can bring the injustices to God who promises: “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice” (Ezekiel 34:16).
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55 thoughts on "Injustice and Justice"
It is definately fruitful to sit with Jesus at the start of each day. Psalm 94: 18-19 ‘ when i said ‘my foot is slipping, your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety. Was great within me your consolation brought me joy. This is my takeaway for the day today. Amen
I also am a little behind and would like to finish this study first. Thank you all for the shares. It is very comforting to wake up to the Word of God on a Monday and then see how many women make this a practice too!
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I wish that I could met everyone’s needs, but I can’t do that, every single need that we can meet is a act of justice that honors our Savior Jesus Christ. The one thing that I will always know is that Jesus will always know what we need all the time❤️✝️
Hi. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had left my local community because someone was stalking me. It’s been a few weeks and although I have an immense amount of peace and assurance that I’m doing the right thing, I am so sad and lonely. It is so hard leaving all the fellowship routines I had set up. It’s so hard not being with the people I spent the last year with :( I’m just coming on here to ask for prayer that the Lord will help me rebuild or have hope for more. I am trying to be intentional with the relationships I have- life just feels a lot emptier and quieter. I know it will take time to be adjusted. I’m just sad everyone is still together and I am not. I know I need to focus ahead but it’s hard to do that when I am by myself most of the day. I appreciate any prayer.
Praying for you Michelle ❤️
Michelle that’s so hard and I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. Thank you for sharing. Praying for you xx
Michelle, a day late in my reading and I’m just reading this and I am immediately struck by your sweetness in the mist of your sorrow. I will be praying for you mightily and please reach out to me anytime on our chat group in Facebook. You are a warrior and you are doing the thing the guy would have you do walking out in Faith bless you.
Thank you so much ladies— your messages are so kind!!! That means a lot.
Interesting the two different versions of Ezekiel 34:16. “I will feed them in justice.”
Or “I will shepherd them with justice.”
This from He Reads Truth is so good!
“We are not asked to take part in God’s retributive justice, but we are commanded to be part of the restorative. This is what Jesus commands of His people in Matthew 25. We cannot meet every need, but every need we do meet is an act of justice that honors our Savior and King.
After reading these verses today, I am praying for my own heart—for my “that’s not fair” responses to align with God’s heart, not my own interests. May we all be moved with compassion so that the orphan-loving, widow-championing heart of God is visible in our lives.”
Written by Jamin Roller
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If we live with Heaven on our minds, we will have what we need to give a little piece of Heaven to others.
SONG SHARE:
TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind (Official Music Video).
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
My lament for today:
Lord, I seek just as for the children and families in Dilley detention center. Rescue and deliver them for you are Justice. For you have opened prison, doors, and gates in the past.
Deliver them from mistreatment and racism. I am grieved, watching my government mistreat other humans, especially those who are innocent.
Nevertheless, I know you don’t condone the actions of these men and political leaders, even though some claim to do these things under your banner. You are grieved by their sin too.
Save them from illness, mistreatment, trauma, and abuse. Deliver them from Dilley and back home with their families. For you seek the Lost and strengthen the weak.
But I will pray for each of them until Dilley is closed because I know you were at work.
I will proclaim you are the Father of the fatherless and the Champion of the brokenhearted. I will sing your praise because you know each one by name and you know every hair on their head.
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Amen ❤️
Amen x
Amen
Amen.
I just want to do His will and share His story.
King Jesus is our ultimate seal breaker.
Help me, O God, to be used for Your glory! Help me to see as You see, to hear as You hear, and to respond as You would respond. Our world desperately needs You. I need you. May You be glorified in my weakness!
I want to be your hands; I want to be your feet and go where you send me,Lord.
YES, Sweet Tina, this world is not our home. We are just passing through.
Like many. My heart ached readings this devotional. Thank you Bailey that you were part of this man’s HOME COMING! Thank you for being part of this man’s dignity.
Action. Are we Christians of action? To be the hands and feet of Jesus, is what we are called to be. We can pray, which is always the first step of action, but then, it’s time for action.
It reminds me of Nehemiah. He was deeply troubled for his people. Although he had it good, and could turn his head easily to himself and his cushy job, he mourned for the suffering of his people- the Jewish people and the ruins of their land and temple. So although he prayed for months, he NEEDED to GO. Help. Take ACTION.
Many of you know my story from Praying to Action! I had prayed for years for God to give me a mission to serve. I so wanted and yearned to be helpful. Nothing came of it for years though, so I stayed in the word daily throughout the years, because God was preparing me. For I didn’t know the Bible very well, even though growing up Christian.
Then before moving to Florida I prayed Lord give us a church that serves the community, I WANT to be able to serve and help make our communities SEE you. Did he ever plant us in a serving church! But even if you are not in a serving church, do you know you can do the simple thing I did- Google! lol. Volunteer opportunities near me! There are pantries, hospitals, and all kinds of things that will surprise you that come up. Maybe they aren’t even “Christian” organizations that might just need your “light” in a new way.
When you start having open eyes to see what God shows you of course it is life shaking. We are so blessed, and even if it is money- giving to established organizations need that gift. But if you can be a part of it you will be so blessed. It gives you a new conception of mercy and grace, and that’s what God needs us to see. For none of us “deserve” it, yet he gives it to the seeking and lost. And there are many seeking and lost all around us. Our own subdivisions need a glimpse of Jesus. (did I see that after our hurricane disaster a few years ago.) But there are sick and broken all around us- Lord, open our eyes to see, and our ears to be attentive. You will indeed show us if we STOP and actually Listen. You give us divine moments every day that we quickly dismiss because of busyness. Slow us down Lord, and put desires to serve for you in our hearts. Take us out of the Me mentality in our culture. Help us to steward our families, especially our kids to love and help the misfortuned all around us. We have endless opportunities, help us to shine a light without ceasing. Give us the desire to MOVE and produce. Bringing people your love and grace is so beautiful, and we thank you Lord that you gave it to us/me! Amen.
Let us keep praying for Israel. We might not like the political current, but all that aside, they are still His chosen people that we are grafted into. And he will come back for them, (right on the temple mount!!) and they will turn to Him and be saved. Just like our country, we forgot who we serve and who blessed us. We go astray. But- We stick to the word and bless them just like we bless all the lost. It is time to be in the word!! I am SO excited for the upcoming study! It was one of my favorites!! And it will be so timely to “see” the old testament and the foundation of it all!! Thank you Lord for your perfect timing!! Speak to us in new ways Lord, reveal more this time around! In Jeus’ mighty name!
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Amen
To me this is such a call to do what we can wherever we are to those around us!
Thank you to those who shared! Praying for all of you! Praying that God will lead me where I might be the hands and feet of Jesus!
I’ve have wondered, if God says He will provide for the poor why then are there so many people in the world that are starving or homeless.
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But then, I’ve come to understand that God does provide for everyone. He has given everything that man needs to survive and live, He has provided. It’s the sin of the world – greed, selfishness, hatred, pride, laziness, hoarding, cruelty, spite, callousness – that prevents getting the God- given provisions to the people. God is good, always. Sinful man is not.
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While reading Ezekiel 34:11-13, I couldn’t help but think of all the prodigals – the lost sheep, the strays, – that we are praying for. How comforting it is to know that God says He will search for the lost and bring back the strays…May He be working in each and every heart of every prodigal this morning. And may they not fight Him, but willing return to the fold.
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This reminds me of the song, Goodness of God, especially the chorus that says, “Your goodness is running after me”. He’s not content that there are strays, He wants them back.
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Praying for your requests this morning – happy Thursday, be blessed. ❤️
Oh Sharon, I had the same thought for the prodigals as I read Ezekiel. I liked your reference to “the goodness of God running after them. “
So good Sharon. Thank you!
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It seems as though the closer I get to God, the more my heart truly breaks for what breaks His heart. I find myself in tears more often which I am not a fan of. What a blessing it is for the Lord to soften my heart though to care so deeply for His children! It is not a weakness, it is a strength and calling.
Yes, you said it perfectly, and I laughed with you, for I am not a fan of tears either. I didn’t have a lot of empathy in my young years for others, I was all about “me!” But yes, the closer you get to God..wow..how he changes your heart to care for the hurt and broken!
We have an outreach ministry at church and provide care packages for these in need and host a weekly drop in where lunch is served. The demographic of our neighborhood has many unhoused and living rough. As a church we are always praying for the Lord to lead and show how to most effectively, compassionatley serve this group of people; to plant seeds of hope, be the hands and feet of Jesus. In some ways what we do is a bandaid – the extent of what they need is so much more than fresh socks, underwear and a warm meal. But in offering them a smile, a place to sit, someone to talk to, and praying for them if they are willing it is our hope that it is the beginning of something better and that they see Jesus and know that He cares for them.
Heavenly Father, help us to see the lost and lonely as you do. Give us your eyes and your heart for those that are so desperately needing hope and lead us in how we can point them to you. Amen
I have gone to feed the homeless for years now, and know many by name and face. They always know I am the one that’s gonna try to pray for them, lol. But many have come to at least, if not on board, indulge me! But one a few weeks ago, one I nervously prayed for 4 years ago, asked me for a prayer! It warmed my heart to know how far God has brought me, and him. The next week he had a very hard week, and as I prayed for him he cried. I want him to know, like you said, Jesus sees him and cares for him, and others do too.
“To see the lost and lonely as you do.” Amen
Thank you Wendy x
Amen! ♥️
Amen
These days it feels like the scales are strongly tipped toward injustice. We can see it in the headlines, our schools, our neighborhoods and even our families. Per God’s Word and His actions as TINA has testified time and again, But God! Let’s do our very best to be aware if we are fueling injustice and seek God’s help for a turnaround, to recognize injustice around us, pray for those in the midst of it and offer assistance as we are able. We can trust that the Lord will balance all things out.
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Gotta run this morning, praying for requests ❤️
When I went to see Nick Vujicic a couple of weeks ago, he stressed the ironic conundrum of so many homeless, addicted, abused, trafficked,and poor YET so many churches!! He implored the question…why aren’t we the hands and feet we are called to be? Why do we talk about it, but aren’t making the difference we could and should.
He wrote a book called “Champions for the Brokenhearted!”
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Ezekiel 34:15-16
“I will tend my flock and let them lie down. This is the declaration of the Lord God. I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.”
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Thankful that the Lord sees and cares for His sheep
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Help us to be good undershepherds, watching out for the poor, orphaned, and widowed.
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God’s grace and peace be with you today
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Amen
Thank God, this world is not our home, and that we’re just a passing through, as the old Jim Reeves song goes..
Doing life in this world is not easy, and for some its hard!
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As one who has witnessed the possibilities of God in a community/church that ministered to the disadvantaged in our community, my heart felt sorrow for the gentleman mentioned in the devotional. What sadness that a life, a creation of our Father God, should end this way…
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BUT GOD..
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Thank you Father God that you do not lose sight of us and that though we go through this life wounded, hurt, broken, lost, disheartened, confused, sometimes hopelessly, You do not forget us, your little sparrows.
Thank you Father God that our treasures, our true smiles, our real home, full healing, our wholeness, our Hope, and absolute salvation, are laid up beyond the blue..
Father God, let us not falter, when your angels beckon us, from the open doors of Heaven, for to live life eternal with You, is a victory in itself.
No matter what our lives look like, no matter the troubles we face, just or unjustly, this world is not our home, we are just passing through.. and whilst we are here, let us do what is right by acting justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with our Father God. Eternal life with our Father God, who will live among us and who will wipe away our tears one last time, will be ours when the time comes for each of us.
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Glory to God in the Highest, and may His peace be with you, always..
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AMEN.
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Happy Thursday folks, every blessing covered in hugs, prayers and love..❤️
Yes! ♥️
Amen
Thank you, Tina, for this beautiful prayer. I’m going to share it with my niece
Praying for you Michelle ❤️
That’s where my mind went too, Tina! Our loving heavenly Father will wipe away every tear – no more mourning or pain or crying or cancer or oppression or suffering of any kind. ALL things shall be made new, clean, beautiful and just forever! Praise the Lord for this hope as we struggle with the hear and now.
Thank you, but God …
Amen! Happy Thursday Tina – hugs and prayers right back at you! ❤️
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I am a little behind in my reading this week so just read thru the comments this morning. I never comment (maybe once) but am a long time follower and fellow she who is so thankful to have found this wonderful group I am quietly a part of. Your reference to beyond the blue reminded me of the song, Beyond the Blue by Josh Garrels. Wanted to pass that along in case anyone was not aware of him. I love his music and especially that song. Blessings to you all!