Where to turn for reassurance and hope…

Isaiah 32 is entitled The Kingdom of Righteousness. That makes a refreshing change from all the woes of the previous chapters.

Just a quick reminder of what righteousness means so that we don’t confuse it with self-righteousness.

Righteousness: the quality of being morally right or justifiable

Still doesn’t sound great, does it? Who likes someone who is right all the time? Except this isn’t about being right in an argument, right in words and beliefs and dogma. This is about being right in action. Justifiable in action. Righteousness. Someone who does the right thing all of the time. who can be relied upon to do what is right. who can be trusted. Always. It’s behaving in the right way towards others – all of the time.

There’s never been a human king in all of history who has been able to reign in righteousness all of the time.

Leaders of integrity – we could do with some of those in this country right now.

Rulers who provide stability and security. Rulers who do not lie. Rulers who are not pursuing a personal agenda. Rulers who can be trusted to tell the truth and act on it and serve the nation in love.

No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.  Isaiah 32:5

We should never have become complacent. We should never have trusted in human integrity and wisdom. We should never have been taken in by the promises and lies.

Until…

till the Spirit is poured on us from on high,
and the desert becomes a fertile field  Isaiah 32:15

Then God’s righteousness and justice will cover the land.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence for ever.  Isaiah 32:17

And until that time, let this be our daily prayer –

Lord, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2

It’s an insecure time at the moment. There is much to fear and worry about. There’s an uncomfortable insecurity. And where are we turning to for reassurance and hope? Facebook? Friends? The papers? The TV news? The politicians? Are we turning to God at all?

He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.  Isaiah 33:6

If not, why not?

Let’s be clear. Let’s make it clear.

For the Lord is our judge,
the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king;
it is he who will save us.  Isaiah 33:22

Anyone remember this one?

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
And come with singing unto Zion;
And everlasting joy shall be upon their head.

They shall obtain gladness and joy;
And sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Straight from Isaiah 35.

That’s the day we’re all waiting for. Everlasting joy sounds good to me. And in the meantime, we turn to God to be our salvation, our wisdom and our knowledge. For He alone is righteous.