Even Good People

Read Isaiah 57-59
 
Isaiah 57:1-2 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. 2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
 
“THE godly often die before their time.”  Other Bible translations say, “The righteous perish.” If you stopped at these words, you would wonder, “Why be good or right with God if I will die before my time?” But read on, and you will know this is one way the LORD is “protecting them from the evil to come.”  Have you ever considered your physical death is a way the LORD protects you?
   We have read of evil upon evil ruling Israel’s and Judah’s hearts and minds for centuries. How long God’s patience is! Isaiah 57:3-13 is a harsh description of the evil in Israel. Many righteous people, especially the prophets, needed protection. Jesus expressed his condemnation of the prophets’ deaths in Luke 11:48 “But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments!” Then, of course, the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, was killed and for whom no one cared (Isaiah 53:8).  
  God’s message, then, is a vision of comfort and joy for his own beyond persecution’s sufferings. These two verses and Isiah 57:14-19 are God’s promises to restore goodness out of the evil and comfort this faithful followers: I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn. (v.18b)
   The good people God has called to serve him on earth also escape death’s sting. Death on earth is the doorway into the Father’s bosom. Trust and know the eternal comfort that awaits at the end of the right path into God’s presence.
   Since Jesus’ ascension, countless people, beginning with Stephen (Acts 7) have died violent deaths because they were righteous people. God took them away from the suffering into heaven’s comfort and joy.
Understand your life in Christ Jesus does not belong to you. But in his resurrection is the truth that compels many a persecuted Christian to remain faithful. Why be concerned of trials on earth when you know triumph in heaven awaits you?
   Are you struggling to teach Jesus to someone? Are you criticized for your faith? Are you ostracized for your law-based life? Do you face physical harm? Some of you have withstood the violence and rejection to remain faithful in Christ. Rejoice in your walk with God. A wonderful joy awaits you in God’s presence forever.