Readings for today: Isaiah 59-63
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi. Dr. Mangalwadi is considered India’s foremost Christian philosopher as well as a leader in political, social, and educational reform movements. The author of over thirty books, he is a sought after speaker in churches and conferences and universities all over the world. He began his work among the rural poor in India, challenging the unjust caste system, and overcoming all kinds of hostility, persecution, and even imprisonment. He has continued to fight for justice and righteousness in the public square in his country as well as around the world. He was the featured speaker at India Christian Day which our church had the privilege of hosting this year and stayed over to speak at both our services on Sunday morning. He offered challenging words to all of us about the desperate need to raise up godly Christian leaders who would carry on the fight for justice and righteousness in our world. He didn’t pull any punches, calling out the church for her failure to be the light in the darkness. Most of all, he called us to again put the Scriptures at the center of our lives and our educational, political, and social systems. I know I walked away feeling deeply convicted.
Then I read Isaiah’s words this morning and my conviction only deepened. “The Lord watches and is displeased, for there is no justice. He sees there is no advocate; he is chocked that no one intervenes. So he takes matters into his own hands; his desire for justice drives him on. He wears his desire for justice like body armor, and his desire to deliver is like a helmet on his head. He puts on the garments of vengeance and wears zeal like a robe.” (Isaiah 59:15b-17 NET) There is no justice. There is no advocate for justice. There is no one who intervenes on behalf of justice. Feels very familiar especially when I consider the corruption and deception and exploitation and oppression that is taking place all around us. Every human system seems rife with it. Politics. Social systems. Educational institutions. All of them have turned away from the truth. They no longer promote justice. They no longer produce righteousness. And their failures are taking their toll on society at large.
God is not blind to what is happening. He sees it. He knows it. And He is preparing His judgment. We have only one hope. We must turn to God. We must seek His face. We must be filled with His Spirit. We must fulfill the commission He has laid upon us to “encourage the poor, to help the brokenhearted, to decree the release of captives, and the freeing of prisoners, to announce the year when the Lord will show his favor, the day when our God will seek vengeance, to console all who mourn, to strengthen those who mourn in Zion, by giving them a turban, instead of ashes, oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning, a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement.” (Isaiah 61:1b-3a NET) Yes, we attribute these words to Jesus because He quotes them in the Gospels but they apply all those who follow Him as well. As we live out our high and holy calling, as we pursue justice and righteousness in our communities, nation and around the world; Jesus is faithful. He will make us “oaks of righteousness, trees planted by the Lord to reveal his splendor.” He will use us to rebuild the “perpetual ruins” and restore the “desolate places.” We will be called “the Lord’s priests, servants of our God.” Why? Because the Lord loves justice and will repay us according to His faithfulness. This is His promise.
Readings for tomorrow: Isaiah 64-66