Isaiah 32:17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
So now it’s Thursday, and only two more days to the Big Day! Are we joyful my people! I certainly hope so because that day, the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ was the beginning of our salvation! Yes, His birth began the whole shebang – that of earthly ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension, of which we are the eventual and hopefully grateful beneficiaries.
Ah mih people, without the birth and other actions of Christ, we would still be wallowing in the bondage of sin, with no other option but hellfire and damnation, eternal separation from our heavenly father and Creator. But Jesus gave us another option, one of spending eternity with Him, in righteousness, LOVE and peace.
And yuh know what? Before Jesus even came to earth in the flesh, the prophet Isaiah made this awesome statement while warning the complacent women of Jerusalem. ‘And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.’ (Is. 32:17)
Oh friends, all of us are searching for peace, quietness and assurance in this dangerous, evil and ungodly world, and there is only one thing that will ever bring us to that seemingly utopian place; that’s righteousness, doing right before the Lord God Jehovah! It’s not rocket science either nuh, just simple truth. Jesus said it plainly and right up front: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Yes my brethren, if we make God our priority, put His will above and before anything else, then all that we ever need on this earth, as well as in the time to come will be granted to us. Now that might sound difficult to believe, but there’s only one way to really find out if it’s true, that’s by stepping out in faith and doing as it says. However, a lot of us talk about faith, but so many of us have even less faith than the proverbial grain of mustard seed, and thus are afraid to take a real chance on Christ and His kingdom, preferring to wallow in the sinful mire that’s the world.
And Cousin Sol in his wisdom, said it thus: ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach (shame or disgrace) to any people.’ (Prov. 14:34). Oh friends, each person is required to do right, but so does a nation or society of people, and as the scholars explain: ‘National righteousness and national sin have opposite effects: exaltation versus reproach.’ And we obviously cannot say that our society is being exalted, but certainly reproached, because of our evil and ungodly deeds. We don’t even follow the laws of our society, which were enacted for our goodness and guidance, enabling us to follow the moral law of God.
As Bruh Paul said to Timothy. ‘But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers (fornicators), for them that defile themselves with mankind (sodomites), for menstealers (kidnappers), for liars, for perjured persons (perjurers), and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.’ (1 Tim. 1:8-11)
Oh my fellow saints, ‘the law properly used, benefits unbelievers in pointing out their sin (Rom. 7:7-9) and leading them to Christ (Gal. 3:24)’ And that verse reads: ‘Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified (declared righteous) by faith.’ So, the law is useful in showing us our faults and leading us to Christ and His gospel work.
Meanwhile, the scholars explain verse 11 thus: ‘The glorious gospel of the blessed God means the gospel about the character of the blessed God. The law reveals man’s sinful character (vs. 9-10), but the gospel discloses God’s salvation from sin and the law’s curse. The blessed God: All blessings and happiness are in God, and He bestows them upon those embracing His gospel.’
And that’s exactly what Isaiah was trying to tell his people way back then, that all goodness and mercy comes from God upon those who revere Him and live the way He desires. And if you don’t believe Isaiah, or Jesus, or Cousin Sol, then listen to these other scriptures that reveal the same sentiments. Hear the psalmist from Psalm 119, that long and powerful treatise on God and His word. ‘Great peace have they which LOVE thy law, and nothing shall offend them (cause them to stumble),’ (Ps. 119:165) You definitely can’t argue with that, because it comes from the long experience of the Jewish people with God.
Now listen to Bruh Paul to the church at Rome, as he talks about Christ being the only judge. ‘Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat (food) and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.’ (Rom. 14:16-17) More corroborating truth! And James, Jesus’ brother, puts it all in a simple nutshell, when he writes: ‘And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.’ (James 3:18) Yes friends, righteousness is not possible unless there is an aura of peace prevailing.
Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to live righteously, and no it’s not easy, but with God’s help, including our Thursday Blessings, we are forging forward seeking the ultimate victory in Christ. And since a blessing is not a blessing unless it’s declared, let’s declare those many blessings which have been generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s work.
As one powerful and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
Now, let’s go out and put those blessings to work in the lives of others, as Jesus so greatly desires of us! Much LOVE!
…blessed are they…which do hunger and thirst after righteousness…for they shall be filled… (Matt. 5:8)
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