PODCAST
Hope In God
July 14th, 2013
Matthew 12:15-21
The Lord indicts the nations because of their inhumane treatment of others, especially the needy and the powerless. God’s call was to “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24). They ignored that call. The “rivers of justice” and “the streams of righteousness” had become bone dry. Israel had failed as a streambed of God’s justice and righteousness.
Isaiah announced the coming of the Servant of the Lord who would “bring justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1). The gospel of Matthew points to the fulfillment of this hope in Christ who “took up our infirmities” (8:17) and supported the bruised and weak (12:20). “Justice will be brought to victory” when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom. The citizens of that kingdom will come from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).
The Church awaits “the blessed hope–the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). We strive to see kingdom values increase in our nations, communities, and in people near and far who place their hope in Christ.
Author: Ronald Beech
July 14th, 2013 at 11:03 pm
I “think” the reference of (5:24) should have been Amos 5:24,
July 15th, 2013 at 12:00 am
In reference to Amos 5:24, the law of gravity has both rivers and streams flowing down (just as justice and righteousness came/comes down from heaven).