Sept 18 Devotion Isaiah 16

Chapter 16
1 Send lambs as tribute to the ruler of the land, from Sela, across the desert,
to the mount of Daughter Zion. 2 Like fluttering birds pushed from
the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.3 “Make
up your mind,” Moab says. “Render a decision. Make your shadow like
night—at high noon. Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.4 Let
the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer.”
The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor
will vanish from the land.5 In love a throne will be established; in
faithfulness a man will sit on it—one from the house of David —one who
in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Personal Note
Isaiah stressed that the Messiah as the only real hope for Israel.  The reign of Jesus Christ the only real hope for people suffering in the world today.  We see where there are oppression and suffering, there is revival of people turning to Jesus.  I saw a documentary of people passionately worshipping and praising God in refugee camps.  I believe that God uses believers who respond towards the poor, the homeless, and the hungry.

Refugees from destruction and violence must often seek safety away from their homelands. Do you know of refugees in your city? How could you help them in a new land? How can you offer them
shelter? Can people be refugees from things other than war? Decide what you can do as a family, as a cell group, or any other group of people, to help a refugee family. Make plans for doing what you
decide.

I see people are starting to beware of refugees living in Toronto through various initiatives like "Ride for Refugee", Matthew House, etc.  God told the people of Israel to accept the Moabites (refugees) and take care of them even though they are long time enemies of Israel.  I pray that God will open my eyes and touch my heart to care for a refugee family.