The big news this week has been the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel continues its onslaught in the region while pursuing Hamas. The crisis is also worsening as children and women are starving to death without getting the needed supplies and resources into the region.
This week starving Palestinians raided the UN warehouse in search of food and supplies just to survive. Innocent Gazans are being killed by Israel as they pursue the terrorist group Hamas.
It is clear to the world that Israel isn’t acting like or obeying God:
- Lovingkindness
- Compassionate
- Generous
- Long-suffering
Let me be clear, there is no justifying the horrendous attacks on Israel by Hamas, not Gazans. There is also no justifying Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza, where children are just trying to survive in a bloody war zone.
This thirst for revenge has blinded God’s people’s eyes, hearts, and judgment (Psalm 37:8-9, Proverbs 6:34; 20:22). Israel’s assault on Gazans contradicts the basic teachings of Judaism and the nature of God (Exodus 34:6, Leviticus 25:35, Numbers 14:18, Deuteronomy 32:4).
Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel have forgotten God’s command to do good works in this fallen world (Exodus 23:1-9, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Proverbs 11:17).
What Are Good Works
Over 2000 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we still live in a fallen and hurting world. Evil is still spreading throughout the globe. As God’s people and representatives, we are to do good works to help make the world a better place.
Good works are defined as “Things done to help poor people, sick people, etc.” We are not working to be saved, but do good works because we are saved and are not part of this fallen world.
The Bible has a lot to say about doing good works and how God’s people are to use them (Hebrews 13, James 2:14-17; 2:2:26). Good works are contrary to our selfish nature (1 Corinthians 2:14, Philippians 2:3-4).
When wee accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit changes us on the inside and helps us live for God, instead of our selfish wants (Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:18-20). As God’s people, we are encouraged to do good works, not live a good and happy life (Ephesians 2:8-10, James 2:14-26, 1 Peter 2:9). The apostles remembered their Jewish education about doing good works/deeds.
Ṣ ᵊḏāqâ
Remember, the ancient world was a lot like the fallen world we live in today. Everyone was looking out for their own self-interest. God set aside His people to be different and His representatives in this fallen world (Leviticus 20:26, Deuteronomy 14:2, Jeremiah 1:5).
God’s people were told and taught to do good works to help change and redeem this fallen world (Psalm 37:3, Micah 6:8). The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for good works is ṣᵊḏāqâ and it can also mean, “Righteous acts, justice, righteousness, or truthfulness,” depending on the context it was used in.
God gave His people the law to help remind them not to do the sinful and selfish works of this world (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 30:16, Psalm 119:9-11). That is why Judaism emphasizes the need to do good works:
- Acts of lovingkindness
- Caring for the sick
- Being kind to animals
- Bringing peace
- Charity and helping the poor
- Welcoming guests/strangers
- Pursuing justice
Jesus emphasized the need for His followers to do good works also (Matthew 5:16-20). Jesus also warned His followers about paying attention to the works of others (Matthew 7:16-20; 12:33-35).
He wanted to do His Father’s good works (John 4:34; 5:19; 6:38; 9:4). It is clear God’s people will be known by their love for others and their works (Matthew 5:16, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter 2:12).
Conservatives
Late this week there has been a lot of infighting amongst conservatives over President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” Some conservatives want deeper cuts to the social entitlements that help impoverished Americans.
It is also sad how some conservatives want to cut Social Security which is a safety net for millions of disabled and senior Americans. These are entitlements completely paid for by taxpayers their entire lives, and Americans have a right to.
Unfortunately, many conservatives have forgotten the basic teachings of Jesus to do good works like taking care of the least of these and foreigners living amongst us (Matthew 25:31-46).
Just like our Jewish forefathers and Israel, many conservatives have neglected to practice many forms of good works:
- ṣᵊḏāqâ
- Ma’aseh
- Hesed
Surprisingly, even Elon Musk has come out against conservatives and President Trump’s big beautiful bill. Musk and many conservatives believe that the bill will add to the federal deficit over time. Elon Musk also announced his departure from President Trump’s administration effective immediately.
God’s people have forgotten that true greatness in God’s kingdom is serving others (Mark 10:43-45). If we really want to be a great nation, then we cannot neglect to do ṣᵊḏāqâ!
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