Why “Garden 58”?
The name Garden 58 comes from Isaiah chapter 58-
6 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
To loose: when the bonds are chains forged by dark hands throughout generations, integrated into culture, families, and individual psyches without effective resistance- the loosing, undoing, freeing of those in bondage is no simple or brief task.
To share: when meeting the needs around you means not only “sharing the fish” we have, but teaching others how to fish, breaking down the walls that are keeping them from being able to fish, and addressing the source of the pollution in the pond, we realize sharing involves more than giving money, food or possessions- it means giving of our time, our friendship, our social capital and our advocacy.
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, "Here I am.” If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
Some of us are in bondage to our lifestyle, our fears or our negative perceptions of those God is calling us toward. Others say they want to help those on the margins- those struggling with addiction, generational bondage, children in need, people with hard questions about God & their identity- but that it’s just not the right time or they don’t have time. There are some who are willing to help right now, but they don’t know where or how to start!
This passage is God saying “If you trust me enough to go ahead and care for others however you can even while your life or family is busy or unsure of how you can manage it, I will bless you with guidance and healing and the knowledge of My Presence!”
Just look at all He promises to those willing to pour themselves out for others!
Light, guidance, satisfaction,
strength, fruitfulness, community restoration,
and the reputation the Redeemer wants His children to have!
10 If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you continually & satisfy your desire in scorched places & make your bones strong; and you shall be like a well-watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; You shall be called the Repairer of the breach, the Restorer of streets to dwell in.
“If you pour yourself out…you shall be like a well-watered garden.”