Isaiah 58:8
Then …

Reflections this week are by The Rev. Michael Wallens

It is clear that the salvation God promises is conditioned upon the people’s response. In the verses prior to verse 8 of chapter 58, we are told what is expected of us concerning fasting. What follows are the promises in verse 8. All the promises of Isaiah 58:8-9 are introduced by the word “then.” If we fast in the way which God is calling us to then….

If/then statements are given to us so that we may be able to employ reasoning, producing understanding, and subsequently application, for ‘proper choice-making’ with our life’s activities. If/then statements assist us in logically arriving at the stone of “Truth.”

In order to arrive at the stone of “truth”….

Questions for reflection

  • What is God calling you to do and what is the promise in response to your actions? Write an If/Then statement for you and your ministry.
  • How would an asylum seeker understand what is God calling them to do and what is the promise in response to their actions? Imagine and write an If/Then statement as though are were an Asylum seeker.
  • How would someone in detention understand what is God calling them to do and what is the promise in response to their actions? Imagine and write an If/Then statement as though you were in detention.
  • How would a DACA recipient understand what is God calling them to do and what is the promise in response to their actions? Imagine and write an If/Then statement as if you were a DACA recipient.
  • How would the Church understand what God calling us to do and what is the promise in response to our actions? Write an If/Then statement for migration ministry.

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Michael Wallens is an Episcopal priest who serves five churches in the Big Bend region of Far West Texas. He also serves as co-chair of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande (RGBM). RGBM serves people along the border from Big Bend to Arizona.

Learn about EMM’s Asylum and Detention Ministry Network

EMM hosts an Asylum and Detention Ministry Network that in 2021 meets virtually on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The Ministry Network’s collaborative work and conversation focus on best practice-sharing in areas of direct service, organizing, advocacy actions, Christian formation and worship resources, and community education to protect asylum, promote humane and dignified alternatives to detention, and to support asylum seekers and those harmed by the immigration detention system. Learn more.