Thursday, June 27, 2013

Isaiah 56 - Justice of God

"This is what the Lord says:
“Maintain justice
    and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
    
and my righteousness will soon be revealed." (Isa 56:1 NIV)


God's justice is not like our justice. If we refer back to Isaiah 55 we remember that His ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. We like to think or pretend they are. We like to twist scripture so that even our unfaithfulness can make us look righteous. But, God knows the truth. He sees.

His justice blesses those, no matter who they are, who are faithful, with eternal life. Isaiah 56 reminds us that He will bless even the foreigner and the eunuch who choose what pleases God. According to today's reading, God blesses the foreigner, the stranger; but, many shepherds He accuses. The very ones who are called to protect His flock are accused of being self-indulgent rather than caring for the flock that the LORD has entrusted us with.

"Israel’s watchmen are blind,
    they all lack knowledge;
they are all mute dogs,
    they cannot bark;
they lie around and dream,
    they love to sleep.
They are dogs with mighty appetites;
    they never have enough.
They are shepherds who lack understanding;
    they all turn to their own way,
    they seek their own gain.
“Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine!
    Let us drink our fill of beer!
And tomorrow will be like today,
    or even far better.”  (Isa 56:10-12)

I'm thinking that it will not be far better for those shepherds who desert their flock to feed their own desires.

The stranger and outcast should not think that God does not hear them. Have faith. Trust that He is with you and that He hears and He sees and He will bless all who listen to Him and follow in His Way.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

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