The scriptures read are Isaiah 31-33, Psalm 36 and 1 Timothy 5.
Isaiah 31. Merely relying on military might will not save Judah from the Assyrians. But God can.
Isaiah 32. God will bring a righteous king with exceptional leaders. "No more will fools become celebrities..." Hasten that day, Lord! More condemnation of those who don't help and/or exploit the poor, hungry and homeless.
Pampered rich women aren't spared, either. Their welfare will be undermined by a failed grape harvest.
But when the Spirit is poured out there will be a bumper crop of justice and peace.
Isaiah 33. People who destroy and betray are in deep trouble. But the solution is simple: "Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live."
When God is king in Jerusalem, corruption will disappear and "No one in Zion will say, 'I'm sick.' Best of all, they'll live guilt-free."
Psalm 36. The best version of this psalm covers just part of it but it's good.
1 Timothy 5. Treat everyone like family, especially your family! Those who neglect their family betray the faith.
Widows actually became a kind of religious order in the early church, helping people. You can see the roots of that here.
Leaders deserve their pay, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. And Paul gives Timothy practical advice on church discipline. Even in an English paraphrase, the language is more to the point. This is the equivalent of an interoffice email, not a letter to the whole church at large.
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