How can we "give counsel" and "execute judgment" in today's society? Setting the Scene: Isaiah 16:3 • “Give us counsel, render a decision. Cast your shadow like night at midday; hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.” • Historically, Moab pleads with Judah for guidance and shelter. The words still speak, calling believers to respond with God-honoring counsel and righteous judgment. Understanding “Give Counsel” • Counsel is more than advice; it is truth-filled direction sourced from God’s Word (Psalm 119:105). • Counsel must align with the unchanging character of God—holy, loving, just (Malachi 3:6). • The verse shows urgency: counsel must be timely, clear, and protective, like “shadow at midday.” Practicing Wise Counsel Today • Saturate your mind with Scripture—know it, quote it, apply it (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Listen first (Proverbs 18:13); understand the need before speaking. • Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), resisting the drift toward flattery or harshness. • Point people to Christ, not to self-help (John 14:6). • Protect the vulnerable—offer privacy, safety, and advocacy, just as Judah was told to “hide the fugitives.” Understanding “Execute Judgment” • “Render a decision” (literally “decide judgment”) means to make righteous evaluations and take action that reflects God’s standards (Deuteronomy 1:16-17). • Judgment is not vindictive; it is the application of God’s truth to real situations (Micah 6:8). Walking Out Righteous Judgment Today • Evaluate everything by Scripture, not popular opinion (Acts 17:11). • Confront sin gently but firmly (Galatians 6:1). • Uphold justice in community life—workplaces, courts, churches—defending the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). • Refuse partiality; judge without favoritism (James 2:1-4). • Combine judgment with mercy, mirroring God’s own balance (Psalm 85:10). Guardrails for Counsel and Judgment • Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). • Stay humble; remember you, too, were rescued by grace (Titus 3:3-7). • Seek accountability from mature believers (Proverbs 15:22). • Keep eternity in view; all decisions are made before the God who will “judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1). Encouragement and Call to Faithful Action God still calls His people to be a cool shadow in the heat of confusion and injustice. Grounded in His infallible Word, offer counsel that heals and execute judgment that reflects His righteousness. By doing so, you become a living answer to Isaiah 16:3 in your generation. |
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