Righteous Ruler

Isaiah 11:3b-5 not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
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Luke 1:52-53 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
 
THROUGHOUT the world corrupt governments impoverish their people. Other persecutions against Christians destroy families, homes and businesses. Injustice displays its imprisoning power as the world’s way says, “Might makes right.”
   But praise God. When the Christ returns, righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness his sash. Scripture declares with Isaiah’s and Mary’s words – and elsewhere – that Jesus will come one day to judge. All believers will rejoice and worship the Righteous One as he establishes his eternal throne on the purity of his Word in the New Heaven and earth.
   Praise the Savior! The wicked – the unbelieving – will be judged to their just penalty of eternal condemnation. In turn, he will judge the righteous – the believers – to eternal life. His decisions are true to his Word. His judgments are righteous. God’s true way will rule the redeemed earth.
   Jesus declared his righteous truth when he preached the Beatitudes (see Matthew 5). Prideful, self-focused lives will end. Mourning and oppression are forgotten. Yes, it is true. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:5-6) All praise and honor will be unto the Lord because has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things.
   Is there some place in your life you should be more humble? Are you willing to offer mercy to one who is oppressed? Do you need to correct an injustice? Live true. Live in Jesus’ righteousness.
 
Prayer: Guide my heart more deeply to your righteousness, Lord. Teach me humility, mercy and love for others. Amen.