Preface

The theme of the 23rd general council, "Break the Chains of Injustice!", was suggested by Is 58.6. These magnificent words were written to a people who had known the goodness of God but who were now experiencing confusion and disappointment. They were ready and willing to offer to God the right forms of worship. Would they be willing, however, to strive for the justice their God and ours has demanded?

This booklet of Bible studies is the work of four individuals and one group from different parts of the world. (Another writer, from Latin America, had agreed to present studies but was unable to do so.) Their reflections on the texts for each day grow from the attempt to "break the chains of injustice" in their own contexts. We ask you likewise to bring the struggles of your own setting to your study of the text.

In each study we shall consider a verse or verses from that stirring passage, Is 58.1-12. Complementary texts from elsewhere in the Bible may throw light on the main text. The contributors have also suggested questions for you to consider. There are also general questions that may aid you in your reflection.

Isaiah 58, the complementary texts, the struggle for justice in your own situation: these are the elements which, with the promised aid of the Holy Spirit, make up the Bible study programme for the 23rd general council.

Stephen Farris

General Questions

1. What theme or images link the secondary texts to the verses from Is 58 for the day?
2. What other texts might usefully have been listed?
3. What people or groups can be identified in the text?
4. What people or groups can be identified behind the text? (eg those to whom the passage is written?)
5. How are we in our setting like those people or groups?
6. How are we unlike those people or groups? (Repeat these questions for each of the people or groups identified in 3 and 4.)
7. What is God doing in the text?
8. Is God doing anything similar in our world/setting?

We are ready and willing to offer to God the right forms of worship. Are we willing, however, to strive for the justice God has demanded?

Prayer before Bible study

Speak to us through your word, O God.
Cause us to trust and to obey
and in so doing to find that lasting peace and justice
which is your will for us and all your creation.
We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.