PODCAST

Righteousness and Justice

April 2nd, 2023

Isaiah 51:1-6

Chapter 51 of Isaiah invites the Judahites to recall their lowly origins: from one father (Abraham, the rock from which they were cut) and mother (Sarah, the quarry from which they were hewn) God helped form them into a nation.
Yet God does not promise freedom from consequences; Judah’s embrace of violent nationalism and idolatry resulted in ruin and desertion. But even in the midst of exile and destruction, hope remains: joy will return to Jerusalem and the sound of singing will be heard again.

How will this great reversal come about? The answer appears over and over: God’s righteousness (tzedek) and justice (mishpat)—closely related, almost interchangeable words in the original Hebrew—will accomplish it. Christ affirmed the promise of verse 6 shortly before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

May it be so!

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

Tags: ,

NO COMMENTS   |  DOWNLOAD PDF

Add your Comment

SHARE

Email

TAGS

MOST POPULAR

Thu
01

Growth In Grace

Standing at the back of the sanctuary, Josh listened with sadness as a lady of the church expressed her frustration ...
Wed
10

False Prophets

  John 15:26—16:15 My friend was recently assigned to an interim pastorate position. When she met with the church leaders about a ...
Mon
20

A Fresh Perspective

  1 Corinthians 13:1-13 After years of reading 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” we can easily lose sight of ...
Mon
16

Marines, Abraham and a Mountain

  Deuteronomy 13 Having had two U.S. Marines in my household, I’ve experienced their distinctive mode of operation. The Corps’ motto: “Semper ...
Thu
26

Grace Has the Last Word

We were once given airline tickets from a friend. As a retired airline employee, he could sign over his benefit ...