day 1300: Economic Inequality

This Purposed worKING is a little different in structure and format than others.

In the coming days we each are going to be faced with a message on economic inequality. All signs are that this will be the prevailing theme in our nation's capital for 2014 and much will be placed under its umbrella.  We will each be challenged to personally respond and whether publicly or privately, have a point of view. Many will have already made up their mind and will only react negatively to anyone or anything that challenges their point of view.  Others will be thinking deeply about this for the first time and for all, we will be filtering the news and message through our own current lens and filter of belief and experience.  And, this challenge will show up in our workplaces as the policies of employers get considered as part of the economic actions that can happen. Some of us may even be in the position of making the decisions on policies that affect those in our workplaces.

As believers, there is only one road we can travel, and that is the road of our higher authority.  The world we live in is complicated and filled with irony and paradox. Yet, if we stay grounded in His Word and Spirit we can stay above the fray. God promises us a time and a world that is beautiful and peaceful. I hope this set of scriptures from Isaiah will speak to you as it has to me as I consider the promise that is always there for us when we trust and lean on our Father.

"Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.

The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. 

Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
    and singing and joy!

The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
    as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.

There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God. 
  
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
    and encourage those who have weak knees. 

Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind
    and unplug the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer,
    and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!

Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. 

The parched ground will become a pool,and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land.

Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.

  

 And a great road will go through that once deserted land.
    It will be named the Highway of Holiness.

Evil-minded people will never travel on it.
    It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways;
    fools will never walk there.

Lions will not lurk along its course,
    nor any other ferocious beasts.

There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it. 

 Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.
    They will enter Jerusalem singing,
    crowned with everlasting joy.

Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
    and they will be filled with joy and gladness."

Reference: Isaiah 35: 1-10 (New Living Translation)