Which other scriptures highlight God's support for the weak and downtrodden? Psalm 145:14—the anchor verse “The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14) Echoes throughout the Psalms • Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” • Psalm 9:9 – “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” • Psalm 72:12-13 – “For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.” • Psalm 113:7-8 – “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to seat them with princes, with the princes of His people.” • Psalm 147:6 – “The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.” Prophets: God sides with the oppressed • Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” • Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” • Isaiah 42:3 – “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” • Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release from darkness the prisoners.” • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” • Deuteronomy 10:18 – “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and He shows love to the foreigner by giving him food and clothing.” Jesus—the promise made personal • Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed.” • Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” • Luke 1:52-53 – “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty.” Assurance for the Church today • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • James 1:27 – “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” • Galatians 6:2 – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Responding to His heart • Believe the literal promise that God “upholds all who fall” and draw strength from His unwavering character. • Rest in the assurance that, from the Law to the Prophets to Christ and the apostles, Scripture consistently reveals a God who lifts the lowly. • Reflect His compassion by practical service—supporting widows, orphans, immigrants, and anyone bowed down by life’s weight. • Walk confidently, knowing that His grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in our weakness. |
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