How can Isaiah 56:1 guide our actions while awaiting God's salvation? The Divine Call in Isaiah 56:1 “Thus says the LORD: ‘Preserve justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed.’” God’s words are clear, authoritative, and binding. Because His salvation is certain and imminent, He commands proactive obedience in the present. What “Preserve Justice” Looks Like Today • Guard fairness in every sphere—home, church, workplace, community. • Reject partiality (James 2:1–4). • Defend the vulnerable: unborn, elderly, poor, stranger (Proverbs 31:8–9). • Practice honesty in speech, contracts, finances (Leviticus 19:35–36). • Promote harmony and settle disputes swiftly (Matthew 5:23–24). Living Out “Do Righteousness” • Cultivate personal holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Obey God’s commands even when costly (John 14:15). • Walk in integrity—no hidden sin or hypocrisy (Psalm 15:1-2). • Show mercy and kindness as tangible righteousness (Micah 6:8). • Maintain sexual purity, marital faithfulness, and moral clarity (Hebrews 13:4). Motivation: Salvation on the Horizon • God’s promised deliverance is “coming soon.” Waiting is active, not passive. • Anticipation fuels perseverance (Titus 2:11-13). • The unveiling of His righteousness assures final vindication for faithful obedience (Revelation 22:12). Practical Steps for Daily Faithfulness 1. Start each day in Scripture to align your heart with God’s standard. 2. Examine decisions with two questions: – Does this preserve justice? – Does this demonstrate righteousness? 3. Serve someone in need weekly—move from theory to action. 4. Speak truth seasoned with grace in every conversation (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Keep short accounts with God through immediate confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). 6. Encourage fellow believers to remain steadfast; we wait together (Hebrews 10:24-25). 7. Guard against cynicism—God’s timetable is perfect (2 Peter 3:9). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • “Religion that is pure and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) • “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) Final Thoughts Isaiah 56:1 anchors us: God’s salvation is certain, so our present assignment is equally certain—preserve justice, do righteousness. Live visibly different, motivated by the assured, soon-to-be-revealed righteousness of our Lord. |
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