Day 12: Cancel the Cancel Culture
“Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst,The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness.”
In verses nine through ten Isaiah is circling back to the actions God requires for a breakthrough. The imagery of the yoke is that of a “carrying bar” set on your shoulders.
Remove the yoke. I image History Channel episodes depicting the slaves of Egypt with yoke bars across their backs, or a glimpse into the lives of people living in third world countries where carrying water for long distances is a common practice.
Since day one of this fast, have you picked up a burden you once laid down? Is there some new burden or an area of your life where God has revealed the need for fresh surrender? Whatever is weighing you down, lay it down, give it up again, relinquish control to Jesus and remove that yoke!
“Pull back your pointing finger, quiet negative words, and seek to exercise personal reflection and words that heal.”
Stop pointing fingers. In the ancient world the pointing of the finger involved a formal accusation, the gesture of a curse or malevolent slander. In today’s cancel culture and contentious social media environment, have you ever found yourself joining the crowd? Do you struggle with gossip or combative conversations in person or Online?
These struggles keep us bound – we carry offenses that keep us from freedom because we are too quick to point the finger of accusation. Our mind can become so consumed with negativity, defensiveness, and righteous opinions that we completely miss the opportunity to be the voice of Jesus to a hurting world. We lose the common ground that brings us together in moments when true, grace-seasoned dialog can begin.
ACTION: My challenge is to pull back your pointing finger, quiet negative words, and seek to exercise personal reflection and words that heal. These choices are the things God requires for a breakthrough.