Righteous Ruler

Isaiah 11:3b-5 He will 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 (Mary said) “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. Persecutions against Christians destroy families, homes and businesses. Injustice displays its imprisoning power. The world’s way says, “Might makes right.” But praise God these unjust governments will disappear one day.
   Isaiah’s and Mary’s words are among the many Bible passages to tell us that when Jesus Christ returns, righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness his sash. All believers will rejoice and worship the Righteous One.  He will establish his eternal throne in the new heaven and earth on the purity of his Word. God’s true way will rule the redeemed earth.
   But let’s not wait. God rules the redeemed heart. Let’s know we can live now in Jesus’ righteous truth. The Spirit has taught us through the gospel and the epistles. We know from the Beatitudes, for example, that God will bless humble, merciful hearts. 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) As you know God has saved you, live so that all praise and honor will be unto the Lord. Rejoin that he has lifted up the humble to know his love and forgiveness. With gladness know he has filled the hungry with good things. He is the eternal bread of life. You will never be hungry for his presence when you consume his truth. The gospel is God’s good news that his care for you is eternal.
   So don’t wait for eternal life to enjoy God’s loving presence. A redeemed life loves all God is; you will seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Live in faith, so you know whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
 
Prayer: Guide my heart more deeply to your righteousness, Lord. Teach me humility, mercy and love for others. May I continually find joy in your blessed presence in my life. Amen.