OCTOBER 26, 2023 – RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUTH

READ: Is. 11:3-10

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. – Is. 11:5

In this passage, Isaiah speaks about how Christ will utilize His gifts, what He will demonstrate, and how He will be known. It begins with the fear of the Lord. He perceives (smells) His delight where God is served and honored in true devotion and godliness.

He is so different from the great ones of the earth who seek their own honor. He is the only perfect theocratic King!

Christ does not judge by appearances, the outward façade of people. He does not judge based on what is visible or what people say. Instead, He looks at the heart and observes their actions. Like God the Father, He does not regard a person’s status, whether rich or poor, educated or simple, foreigner or citizen, but judges based on heart and deeds.*

In this, Christ distinguishes Himself from humans who possess a sinful nature. As a speaker of righteousness, He will act justly and grant justice to the oppressed, the poor, and the meek (see also Matt. 5:1-12). In times of decline, there are always the oppressed, orphans, widows, and strangers who suffer. However, Christ shows compassion to them by speaking and acting justly.

Additionally, He will justly punish wrongdoers with the same righteousness. His judgment will be like a rod (v.4) or even a double-edged sword (Rev. 1:16). This points to the final day when Christ pronounces judgment upon all the ungodly (2 Thess. 2:8).

Judgment and redemption emanate from the same righteousness and truth within Him. They are like the belt of His armor (Rev. 19:11ff). After that judgment, for all the righteous who are saved by Him, the eternal millennial reign of rest, righteousness, and perfection will commence (vv.6-9).

*Matt. 22:16; Mark 12:14; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Gal. 2:6; Eph.  6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1,9; 1 Pet. 1:17.

What does this portrayal of Christ teach us?

Singing: Ps. 146:4,5