January 16, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional Message|| ODB for Monday
Read January 16, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional || ODB for Monday Message
READ MONDAY ODB DEVOTIONAL, OUR DAILY BREAD 16TH JANUARY 2023 WRITTEN BY KAREN PIMPO (OUR DAILY BREAD MINISTRIES)
TOPIC: Be Filled
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 339-40; Matthew 11
KEY VERSE: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. – Matthew 5:6
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6–12
January 16, 2023 – Our Daily Bread Devotional INSIGHT
The reference to fasting in Isaiah 58:6 is God’s response to an accusation the people had made against Him. They asked, “Why have we fasted, . . . and you have not seen it?” (v. 3). They expected God to respond to their fasting, but He saw it as a lifeless formality. “You do as you please and exploit all your workers. . . . You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high” (vv. 3–4). God wanted them to seek Him in true humility and to treat others fairly and compassionately—especially the needy (v. 7).
Our Daily Bread Devotional 16th January 2023 MESSAGE
The horrific assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. happened at the height of the American civil rights movement of the 1960s. But just four days later, his widow Coretta Scott King courageously took her husband’s place in leading a peaceful protest march. Coretta had a deep passion for justice and was a fierce champion of many causes.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). We know that someday God will come to deliver justice and right every wrong, but until that time, we have the opportunity to participate in making God’s justice a reality on earth, just like Coretta did. Isaiah 58 paints a vivid picture of what God calls His people to do: loose the chains of injustice . . . set the oppressed free . . . share your food with the hungry . . . provide the poor wanderer with shelter . . . clothe [the naked], . . . and [do not] turn away [from those who need help]” (vv. 6–7). Seeking justice for the oppressed and the marginalized is one way our lives point back to God. Isaiah writes that His people seeking justice is like the light of dawn and results in healing for them as well as for others (v. 8).
Today, may God help us cultivate a hunger for His righteousness here on earth. As we seek justice His way and in His power, the Bible says we’ll be satisfied.
REFLECT AND PRAY
What’s one injustice that draws your attention? How could you take a step toward doing what’s just and right today?
Give me a hunger for justice, God. Help me be a part of Your work in doing what’s right.
Our Daily Bread Devotional 16th January 2023 || ODB for Monday Message . Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.