How can we restore "judges as at first" in our communities today? Reading the Promise: Isaiah 1:26 “I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, a faithful city.” Why the Promise Matters Today God ties a community’s reputation—“City of Righteousness”—to the quality of its judges and counselors. When justice is repaired, society is healed. The path is timeless. Root Problem: Corrupted Justice • Isaiah 1:16-17 pinpoints the breakdown: unclean hands, oppression, neglect of the fatherless and widow. • Similar warnings: Amos 5:12; Proverbs 17:23. • Before judges can be “as at first,” hearts must be cleansed. Step 1: Return to God’s Standard • Personal repentance precedes public reform (Isaiah 1:18-20). • Measure justice by God’s law, not shifting opinion (Deuteronomy 5; Matthew 22:37-40). • Commit to truth without partiality (Deuteronomy 1:17; James 2:1-9). Step 2: Raise Righteous Leaders God’s qualifications stay unchanged: • “Capable men, fearing God, trustworthy, hating dishonest gain” (Exodus 18:21). • “Appoint judges … they must judge the people with righteous judgment” (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). Practical actions: – Mentor young believers in integrity and biblical worldview. – Encourage those with proven character to serve in courtrooms, councils, school boards. – Support training that couples legal competence with Scripture. Step 3: Cultivate Community Integrity • Homes: Fathers and mothers model justice (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Churches: Discipline and reconciliation demonstrate fair process (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-21). • Workplaces: Reject bribes, favoritism, dishonest gain (Proverbs 11:1; Colossians 3:23-25). Step 4: Engage Civil Structures • Vote for candidates who honor life, marriage, and truth (Proverbs 29:2). • Serve on juries and civic committees; be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16). • Hold officials accountable through lawful petitions and open forums (Acts 16:37-40). Step 5: Protect the Vulnerable • “Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). • Establish ministries and legal aid for orphans, widows, immigrants, unborn children (James 1:27; Proverbs 31:8-9). • Encourage pro-life, anti-trafficking, and adoption efforts as tangible justice. Step 6: Depend on God Through Persistent Prayer • Jehoshaphat stationed judges and then charged them “Act in the fear of the LORD, with faithfulness and a loyal heart” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He reinforced this with national prayer (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). • Pray for leaders so “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Expect God to honor His promise; He delights to restore (Jeremiah 33:3, 25-26). Outcome to Anticipate When judges are righteous and counselors godly: • Righteousness exalts the community (Proverbs 14:34). • The oppressed find relief (Psalm 72:4). • The gospel gains credibility (1 Peter 2:12). • The city, county, or nation begins to look a little like Isaiah’s “faithful city.” |
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