How does Isaiah 59:14 describe the state of justice and truth today? Text of Isaiah 59:14 “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands far off; truth has stumbled in the streets, and uprightness cannot enter.” Four Stark Pictures in the Verse • Justice is “driven back” – pushed out of public life, restrained from doing its rightful work. • Righteousness “stands far off” – moral integrity is sidelined, unwelcome in decision-making. • Truth has “stumbled in the streets” – objective reality trips and falls amid propaganda, spin, and relativism. • Uprightness “cannot enter” – honesty finds the doorway barred; corruption guards the gate. How These Words Mirror Today’s Headlines • Courts and legislatures often redefine right and wrong (Isaiah 5:20). • Media platforms reward sensation over accuracy; fact is obscured by narrative (Jeremiah 9:3-6). • Academic and corporate settings suppress dissenting moral voices, pushing righteousness “far off” (Romans 1:18, 32). • Digital misinformation causes truth itself to “stumble” while cynicism rises (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Consequences of This Collapse • Erosion of trust between neighbors, leaders, and institutions (Micah 7:2-3). • Widespread injustice toward the vulnerable (Amos 5:12). • Moral confusion that leads to violence and unrest (Proverbs 29:18; Hosea 4:1-2). Scripture’s Timeless Accuracy Confirmed Isaiah’s words, penned centuries ago, read like a current news report—demonstrating the living, prophetic nature of God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). God’s Answer to Faltering Justice and Truth • The Lord loves justice and will not forsake His saints (Psalm 37:28). • Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6); He embodies the reality our culture lacks. • A day is coming when Christ will judge in righteousness (Revelation 19:11; Isaiah 61:8). How Believers Can Respond • Uphold true justice: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). • Speak truth in love, refusing to compromise with falsehood (Ephesians 4:25). • Live righteously even when culture stands “far off” (Philippians 2:15). • Anchor convictions in Scripture, not shifting opinion (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Anticipate the new heavens and new earth “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). |
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