Isaiah 58:9 – Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: “Here am I.” If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, . . .
The Pointing finger, an attitude of measurement, of judgment. We do it all the time. We have this pointing-finger attitude toward non-Christians. When we act that way, we turn them right off! They don’t even want to hear what we have to say because they feel like the guy in this photograph. Who do we think we are? Have we forgotten that the only reason we’re any different now is because of what Christ has done, not because of any merit of our own?
But this pointing finger attitude doesn’t end there, does it? NO, we extend that pointed finger to one another in the church! We measure and judge one another based on our own pet doctrines and opinions – “You’re not a Calvinist? What is wrong with you?” “OMG – you’re one of those ‘tongue-speakers?’” “Puhleeeze, don’t tell me you’re a pre-tribulation rapturist?” We’ve got denominational divisions, and then there are spin-offs even within the denominations. For Heaven’s sake (literally) – Can’t we all just get along?
What about Paul’s appeal, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (I Cor 1:10) And what about his admonition, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul (or Calvin) crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul (or the Pope)?”
I remember a saying we used to use when I was a kid – If you point your finger at someone else, you have three other fingers pointing back at you!
What about Jesus? He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
I often wonder what the Father will say when we stand before Him on the day of judgment? Help us Lord, to love like you love!