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 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.
 
ALL through the world corrupt governments impoverish their people. Specific 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. He will embody justice and power. Scripture declares with Isaiah’s and Mary’s words Jesus will come one day to judge. All believers will rejoice and worship the Righteous One as he establishes his eternal throne on his pure Word.
   Praise the Savior! The wicked – the unbelieving – will be judged to their just penalty of eternal condemnation. In turn, Jesus will judge the righteous into eternal life. His decisions are true to his Word. His judgments are righteous. God’s righteous judgments will rule the redeemed earth.
   The beatitudes in Matthew 5 is one way Jesus preached his righteous truth. 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. The Bread of Life has come.
   Is it any wonder God’s salvation is called good news? How truly good our life is at all times, even amid our daily struggles, when we know God’s good righteousness saves us to himself.  
 
Prayer: Guide my heart more deeply to your righteousness, Lord. Teach me humility, mercy and love for others. Amen.