Wash Yourselves: Defend the Orphan (5 of 6)

Wash Yourselves: Defend the Orphan (5 of 6)

Defend!  When this word is yelled out, the defense mechanism of every male should flash to consciousness.  What female does not feel their emotions rise when they feel their child must be defended?  Defense is needed because there is or will be an attack.  Without a proper defense, the resulting effect is destruction, ruin, and devastation.  The word “defend” should create a tremor within the soul that creates action directing self and others toward deliverance from the foe.  Defense at its core, is a wise realization that despite having strengths, advantages, or any number of assets at hand, there is weakness which could put that which has value in jeopardy.

Humans are of great value to God, but they are not impervious to harm.  Heat, cold, a minor blow, a fall, a lack of oxygen, any number of things can bring an end to their life.  A man is typically built so that his frame, muscles, and skin can endure more than a woman, but by way of lifestyle, he is often more subject to bodily damage.  A woman may be kept out of the way of environmental harm more than a man, but she has other risk factors which she must be protected against.  Yet, even more crucial, beyond the physical, all humans are under constant attack from the devices of Satan and sin (I Peter 5:8, Romans 3:23).  This type of attack is spiritual and its greatest damage is inflicted upon the spirit and soul of man.  This kind of attack was a concern of the apostle Paul.  He prayed not only that the body of the Thessalonians be protected, but their spirit and soul as well (I Thessalonians 5:23).  Psalm 7:10 proclaims: “My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in the heart”.  There is no greater spiritual or physical defense than God that anyone can have.  His Word can raise the dead, forgive sins, and perfect mankind.  James declared that it is the Word of God which saves souls (James 1:21); additionally, by that Word an individual and those interacting with him can have a defensive impact upon a soul in danger (I Peter 1:9, James 5:20).  This has a direct bearing on the understanding of the Words of Isaiah “defend the orphan” (Isaiah 1:16-17).

Presented below is a quote from fathers.com which can be seen as a quick summary of the reams of data available in regard to the fatherless:

 “children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved
in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens.”

 While no man is free from hardship and poor decision making based on the environment they grew up in, the odds for harmful physical and spiritual effects happening to an individual go up drastically without a father.  Their innocence is often shattered, their childhood jaded, and their ability to stay away from sin diminished.  A mother is a blessing, but she is still not a substitute for a father (especially a godly one).  God’s desire and individual direction to man was that he join together with a woman and have a family devoted to good (Genesis 1:28, 2:24, Ecclesiastes 12:13).  When the family unit is broken the Lord does not turn his back on the orphan, but champions him (Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Psalm 68:5, Zechariah 7:9-10).  Therefore, God gave an example to mankind by putting commands in place for Israel to make physical provision for the orphan (Deuteromony 24:19-21, Deuteronomy 26:12-13).  Not only did God give direction in regard to the physical needs of the orphan, He gave warning to those who would try to take advantage of the leaderless in their weakened state (Exodus 22:22-24, Malachi 3:5, Deuteronomy 27:19).

The inherent reality of Isaiah’s instruction to the people of Judah to defend should have been a realization that there was vulnerability in regard to their orphans.  The question at hand should have been what was the vulnerability and how could they be strengthened.  To better understand the word used in the ASV translated “defend” (H8199) closer examination is needed.  In regard to this term, the most applicable understanding seems to be from the Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Definition: “to act as law-giver or judge or governor”.  Extrapolating from this definition, it seems the need of the orphaned in Isaiah’s time has the potential of being twofold:  First, there was a need for godly litigation to be enacted defending the rights/needs of the orphan.  Second, was a need to guide the orphan in regard to the laws of God, thus defending his soul.  Both of these areas are a necessity for all men, but there is a particularly area of want concerning the orphan which makes them subject to the need of protection – they have no earthly father to lead and defend them in any manner (see footnote 1).

In regard to the litigation understanding of “Defend the orphan”, the people of Judah who had the authority, knowledge, or means should have acted to defend those unable to do so.  The leading men of Isaiah and Jeremiah’s age failed in this regard (Jeremiah 22:1-3).  Their interests were for their own gain.  In a way, the government should have served as a father.  It should have provided leadership, kindness, and proper judicial examples.  However, the corrupted leadership became worse than not having a father because rather than leadership there was a stumbling block and evil influence.  The wickedness simply encouraged the breakdown of societal function based on selfishness and abuse.  Judah saw they could take advantage of the fatherless, coerce them when they were vulnerable, and utilize them as pawns for their own gain.  Rather than looking out for the orphan, the citizenry followed the lead of the government and sought its own desires.  Thus, the orphan was oppressed and did not find justice.  They did not have an earthly father to stand for them literally or figuratively.  The same judicial responsibility that rested with the people of Judah also existed for the people of Jesus’ time and even today (Romans 13:1-10, I Timothy 1:8-10).

Spiritually, “Defend the orphan” is an opportunity for the godly man to guide the orphan in the path of God rather than the orphan faltering on his own path (Proverbs 14:12). It is a blessing to fill a void in the lives of the fatherless.  When the godly man shares their knowledge of God’s truths and His creation, the orphan can find strength for all of his needs (2 Peter 1:2-3).  Men with the wisdom given by God can give direction and demonstrate the laws of God which have worked blessing in their lives.  They can provide encouragement and hope, having likely experienced loss or despair themselves, but knowing how to move forward in Christ.  To defend a soul is to fulfill the divine purpose of human existence (Ephesians 2:10).  Isaiah called upon Judah to act in such a manner.  However, they would not listen.  Judah had previously been chosen to be God’s children.  They were defended by Him until they refused Him.  In doing so, they had no true defense at all. They would be subject to destruction as strangers to Him.

Thus far Isaiah’s words have been examined in regard to the responsibility of the government and individuals of Judah with application to men of today.  Whether by means of litigation or spiritual direction, godly leadership is needed.  However, one other application needs to be made.

Today as a chosen people of God, Christians should heed the plight of the fatherless.  Anyone would be hard pressed to find a Christian who would argue against this fact.  However, what about Christians who want a Church without a father?   Like an individual without a father, a church without the leadership of authorized men (elders) is an entity operating like a fatherless family.  The ordained leadership of God is absent.  Yet, it is not a rare thing to hear members of such a body state: “Why do we need elders, everyone here is working together just fine.”  It is a surety that dysfunctional behavior will result as time goes by and the believers attempt to do what is “right in their own eyes”.

There are many reasons people flock to congregations without elderships.  Most go out of ignorance, not understanding the importance of God’s leadership design for the body of His spiritual children (Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28, I Timothy 3:5, Titus 1:5, Hebrews 13:17).  Some attend because it is the only or closest Church to which they can travel.  Some attend due to unrest or unhappiness at their previous congregation.  A number of others may head to these congregations so they can follow teachings they like (2 Timothy 4:3) or so they may avoid receiving the discipline of an eldership for actions they have chosen to do.  Whatever the reason, the odds are great that the leaderless body of believers will become rebellious children making more foolish and ignorant decisions.  There are an increasing number of these “fatherless” churches across the land.  As they spread, so does the lack of leadership and authorized activity in the Church.

“Defend the Orphan!”  Men teach your boys to desire to be elders.  Have them follow the Old paths where they should walk (Jeremiah 6:16).  Yet, like Judah, so many now refuse to do so, not understanding the great loss to which they have come.  They now call it good rather than evil to reject an eldership which is their figurative father (Isaiah 5:20).  Becoming orphans themselves, they worsen the plight of other orphans by steering them away from ordained fathers.  In doing so, they mistreat one another and ignore the needs of the weak who need the leadership and strength of an eldership.

Elders lead your Church Family, the flock of God, and prepare many to serve as elders some day.  Stress the importance of the leadership of a father.  Make certain it is taught from the pulpit that Christians have a duty to aid those individuals who do not have fathers.  Maker certain it is taught there is a spiritual and physical responsibility that should be driven by duty and love.  Do not fail in your duty as ravenous wolves come in tearing away disciples and creating orphaned Churches (Acts 20:28-29).  Christians obey and submit to your spiritual fathers, for they are assigned to watch over your souls.  Heed the words of Isaiah, so that the plight of destruction by the hand of God does not visit you.

Footnote

(1)  The ASV term H3490 rendered “orphan” appears forty-two times in the KJV Old Testament.  However, in that translation it appears as the term “fatherless”.  Closer examination does not shed any light upon which term is preferred.  However, someone who is fatherless is not necessarily the same as one who is an orphan.  An orphan is not only without his father, but he is without his mother.  Still, there is a commonality for both the usages “orphan” and “fatherless”:  The God ordained leader of the family is missing.  This article will approach the words of Isaiah as if in reference to those who no longer have a father present in their lives, thus including both the fatherless and orphan.

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Wash Yourselves: Reprove the Ruthless (4 of 6)

Wash Yourselves: Reprove the Ruthless (4 of 6)

Why “reprove the ruthless”?  God’s inspired words to Isaiah in Isaiah 1:16-17 are words that are part of patterns of direction to correct the behavior of wicked Judah.  There are many scriptural examples devoted to enabling the ruthless to repent.  The patterns and examples of God’s Word are needed to strengthen the community of men in a walk of godliness.

Jesus is queried by a Pharisee lawyer in Matthew 22:34-39:

“Teacher which is the great commandment in the law.” Jesus replies: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the great and first commandment.   And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.” 

 When Jesus references the commandments, he looks back to the Mosaic Law, specifically the Ten Commandments.  When those commandments are examined (Exodus 20), it can be seen that the first four commandments focus on man’s relationship with God.  The remaining commandments focus on man’s relationship with mankind.  Both are critical in man’s everyday service, but service to God is the highest priority.  This relationship was not changed by Jesus, but reinforced.

The pattern shared by Jesus and that of the Old law, putting God first, then mankind, is present in the words of Isaiah as he speaks to Judah.  “Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice” – These three commands have a vertical focus of being God directed.  Man ceases to do evil, so he can approach God.  He learns to do good so he can please God.  Each man seeks justice that he might exact his behavior and grow toward the holiness of God.  The second three components of development Isaiah spoke to Judah were:  “Reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow”.  These three items, while they glorify God, are items which represent the duty of man in the horizontal relationship to his community.

There is also a second pattern arising in Isaiah’s words.  In the God centered commands,he mentions correction (cease) and then strengthening (learn, seek).  This same pattern is seen in his man directed commands:  correction (reprove) and strengthen (defend, plead).  The mentioning of these patterns is not a necessity to understand the statement “reprove the ruthless”, but it does clarify its purpose as being corrective action for the development of mankind.

Translations of the words “reprove the ruthless” [KJV] have taken different forms: “rebuke the oppressor” [NKJV], “correct oppression” [ESV], and “relieve the oppressed” [ASV].  As these translations are considered, confusion can arise.  Is the one causing problems to be rebuked or are the ones being oppressed to be helped?  Though both would have Biblical precedent, this article will take the approach that “reprove the ruthless” and “rebuke the oppressor” are proper translations based on the meanings of the Hebrew words involved (see footnote 1 for more details).  The oppressor or ruthless individual is one who does violence against the word of God.  In other words, those who disobey God are to be lead to a change in their actions.

It was shown in the last article (Wash Yourselves: Seek Justice) that man should seek the instruction/discipline of God for it will strengthen them.  God used the tool of the Chaldeans to bring about justice on Judah (Habakkuk 1:6), thereby providing the remnant and future generations of mankind a strong example of consequences based on behavior.  God used his creation as a tool in the days of Noah to bring about justice, flooding the world, and removing evil (Genesis 7).  Someday, God’s Son, Jesus Christ will return and bring about justice for mankind (Matthew 24:44-51).  Instead of Deity always acting directly and/or with destruction to bring justice to mankind, God has ordained three other entities to do so preemptively:  Secular Leaders (government), spiritual leaders (elders), and the individual faithful.  This is their duty!  However, their authority to act and bring a reproving of disobedience must always be according to God’s Will (Acts 5:29).

With few exceptions, the leaders of the government of the people of Judah failed in their obligation to reprove the people for their wicked ways.  Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:1-2) and Josiah (2 Kings 22:1-2) represent kings who were different and did not endorse evil behaviors.  Both sought out the will of God as a direction for not only their own behavior, but that of the people of Judah.  When governments fail to make God their priority they fail to serve their function as proper shepherds of the people.  Romans 13:1-7 properly establishes the actions of government are to be for the good of the citizenship.  Consider also:

 1 Peter 2:13-17 – Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

 Jesus, properly put in perspective the role of those with the power of government to reprove and punish when he told Governor Pilate the following in John 19:10-11:

 “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:…”

 Isaiah was a prophet and spiritual leader (2 Kings 19:5).  In the book of Isaiah, he openly reproved the actions of Judah.  He set straight the quality of actions they should have been following.  He was not the only spiritual leader of the people to address governments or peoples of the nations.  Jonah, Obadiah, Jeremiah, Micaiah, and John the immerser are a few other such men.  Jesus personally called to himself men who would be chosen to direct men in the truths of God and call them to repent.  Those men, apostles, were leaders of the first century Church and fulfilled their horizontal duty to mankind.  Their message to mankind was instruction and reproval:

 Acts 2:38 – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent…”

 Acts 3:19 – “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;”

 Acts 8:22 – “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”

 Acts 17:30 – “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”

 Today, there are no apostles.  The scriptures are the authority for the actions of man toward their God.

 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

 The spiritual leaders ordained to enforce the paths of scripture are called elders.  Their specific duty is to lead and reprove the Church following the examples of past spiritual leaders.

 Acts 20:28-29 – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

 Titus 1:7-9 – “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”  [ESV]

 Regardless of the activity of the governmental leaders of Judah and in addition to the reproof of the spiritual leaders, the people themselves should have been calling upon their fellow citizens to return to following God.  However, they only followed their own desires which were contrary to the actions of God.  They did not concern themselves with the welfare of others as they should have.  King Solomon wrote of their duty to their neighbor:

 Proverbs 12:26 – “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

 Proverbs 9:8 – “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”

 Christians as individuals are also directed to their corrective duties regarding their fellow man:

 Ephesians 5:11 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

 It is seen that governments, spiritual leaders, and individuals are called upon to provide corrective action for the benefit of others.  Yet, despite the authority of the scriptures behind these actions, it never fails that someone will quote the following words:

 Matthew 7:4 – Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? [ESV]

 Upon quoting such they will claim that man is not supposed to judge.  It is true that no man is the final judge of another’s salvation – It is the Words of God that will judge in the final day (John 12:48).  It is also true that man must first examine himself to see if he is in the truth before fulfilling their duty to others:

 Matthew 7:5 – Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

 However, to claim that a man does not have a duty to instruct in the Word of God is pure ignorance as has been seen from the verses presented thus far.  Once again consider the duty of man to his fellows:

 Matthew 28:19-20 – Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 Isaiah set for the command of “reprove the ruthless”, meaning they were to direct those in sin to the paths of God.  His instructions though focused on Judah, are a pattern for how man should behave in all ages.  Whether the entity be a government, spiritual leader, or individual, there is a horizontal duty to call those in error to return to a proper vertical relationship with God.  Calling men to corrective action has a wide number of scriptural examples and mandates.  Such action has the authority of God behind it.  If they recipient is seeking justice, it will go well with them.  However, men may choose to ignore the admonition.  Men may choose to claim such reproof has no authority.  If such is the case, they do so at their own peril.

 Jeremiah 2:19 – Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts.

Footnote:

(1)  The phrase “reprove the ruthless” is made up of the Hebrew words (aw-shar’, aw-share’ – Strong’s number H833) and (khaw-motse’ – Strong’s number H2541).  H833 is used 15 times in the Old Testament and it means “to make straight, lead, advance, set right, or make happy”.  In the English usage of this word, it has most often been used as blessed, though far from exclusive.  H251 is used only once in the Old Testament.  According to Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Definitions it means “oppressor” or “ruthless”.  According to Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary it means “violent” or “robber”.  As a third definition Strong’s throws out the word “oppressor” which is seemingly in direct conflict with its other two definitions and BDB.  For the article above, the interpretation being used is “reprove the ruthless” based on “making straight, leading, advancing, or setting right” the “ruthless, violent”.

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Wash Yourselves: Seek Justice (3 of 6)

Matt was eleven years old when his family took him to Disneyland for a summer vacation.  He could hardly contain himself as the time for the vacation had drawn near.  This was what he had hoped and dreamed for every moment since he learned of the trip.  When they loaded into the car and headed to the airport it seemed like Dad drove 2 mph the entire way.  Time couldn’t go fast enough until they were surrounded by the wonders of the Magic Kingdom.

This last year had seen quite a transformation in Matt.  He used to visit the principal’s office at school pretty regularly and his grades weren’t so go good.  Two years ago, Mom and dad told him if he could cease the trouble he kept getting into and improve his grades, then they would all take a trip to Disneyland at the end of the school year.  Matt was excited, he had never been to Disneyland and really wanted to go!  Nearly all of his friends had already been and they loved it.  But Matt really didn’t think his parents wouldn’t take him if he didn’t meet their expectations.  He knew they loved him and they wouldn’t possibly take away something so wonderful if he didn’t comply with their wishes.  Shockingly, Matt was wrong.  He didn’t clean up his behavior or his grades.  At the end of the year, despite his sadness and obvious disappointment, Matt’s parents did not present him with the reward he was sure he would receive.  They expressed their disappointment and informed him the result of his behavior was no trip.

That was a year ago.  Matt realized his parents were serious when they followed through with their word.  From that point on, he changed his behavior and he picked up his grades.  This time when the end of the year came his parents praised him and rewarded him with the trip he most desired.  Not only was Matt excited about the trip, but he was a much better person because of their instruction and judgment.

In Isaiah 1:16-17, the prophet Isaiah laid down the law of God upon the disobedient people of Judah.  It wasn’t something they had not heard before by the hand of other prophets, nor had it changed from the warnings of the past, rather it was a consistent application from a God whose Word had not changed.  God’s command began quite simply: “Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice…”  God had demonstrated from His past interaction with Judah that He was always serious about His Will.  Beginning with the early days of the deliverance of the nation of Israel, God disciplined based upon their disobedience to Him and rewarded them when they chose to obey.  He established this expectation for them at that time (Deuteronomy 28).  God wanted them to enjoy the blessings of the Promised Land.  Unfortunately, when they first came to the land their behavior kept them out.  The children of that people learned a lesson. They changed their behavior and later entered the land they desired.

In the examples of Matt and the children of Israel there are many similarities.  In both there is a washing which took place.  Evil (disobedient) behaviors were put away and good behaviors were embraced.  Equally present is the concept of justice.  Justice is defined by many as a rendering of what is due.  Under promise when man does well, he receives praise and reward. When he falters from expectation there is disappointment, loss, and sorrow.  Indeed, justice is parallel to the concept of reaping and sowing (Galatians 6:8).  Justice is related to a number of common terms: Law, ordinance, direction, instruction, rule, or an established pattern.  As Isaiah used it when addressing Judah, the meaning has to do with a verdict or ruling.  (For more information regarding the term please see footnote [1] at the end of this article.)

“In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.” – Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein accurately explains the concept of justice.  As in Jesus time, men of today like to question what truth is (Pilate – “What is truth?” – John 18:38).  Truth is viewed not as absolute, but varying from circumstance to circumstance.  However, truth does not vary.  Einstein knew this fact and appropriately made the comparison to justice.  Sadly, because there has been so much injustice in the world, many hear of “justice” and think perhaps it is only a dream.  Criminals are set free with little to no punishment, individuals who have lots of money are seemingly untouchable, and the law which is supposed to convict criminals often appears to hinder its own purpose.  However, truth and justice are not subject to the actions of men.  Men may spread falsehood or commit injustice, but they cannot alter the nature of truth or justice.

No matter who the individual is, rich, poor, powerful, meek, righteous, or evil, when they feel they have been wronged, they desire justice.  There are varying examples in scripture of those who have desired justice be done.  In the days of Solomon, two women had a dispute over a newborn infant.  Both had newborns, but one child died in the night.  The mother of the dead child switched children in the night.  Both then claimed the living child was their own.  To resolve the dispute, they went before Solomon for a ruling regarding who the real mother was.  Solomon ruled and justice was accomplished (I Kings 3:16-28).

The prophet Habakkuk declared the following in Habakkuk 1:2-4:

O Jehovah, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? I cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save. Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up. Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted.

Habbakuk looked at the environment in Judah (following the days of Isaiah) and saw they were evil.  Justice had not yet been delivered.  He saw the rulers of the land corrupted the law and the justice it was supposed to bring.  Yet, God told him justice was coming and it would come by His hand through the Chaldeans.  This time rather than through the hand of a chosen and very wise king of Israel, the justice would come through a prideful, arrogant, gentile nation.  Regardless of the tool, through God, Justice was delivered.

A final example that is most striking is from a heavenly scene in Revelation 6:9-10:

And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of them that had been slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Even in heaven, there are those who desire justice to come about on the earth.  They desire that the rulings according to the Law of God be enacted so that the proper outcome of evil and righteousness can be achieved.

Now the words of Isaiah, “Seek justice”… Wicked Judah is encouraged to repent of their ways, learn God’s truth path, and “seek justice”.  They are to seek (follow) a proper verdict.  Men often follow what they think is right.  In fact, this exact thing occurred during the time of the judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6)  Of course, this in direct opposition to what Israel had originally been commanded (Deuteronomy 12:8).  Men are not to follow their own thoughts, but God’s true commandments and verdicts.  Assumptions just land them in trouble (i.e. Saul’s sacrifice, Nadab & Abihu’s strange fire, Uzzah’s hand on the ark).  Seeking justice does not mean seek man’s opinion’s or assumptions.  No person should be happy simply having behaviors for the sake of activity’s sake.  Their direction should have divine purpose and authority behind it.

When Isaiah speaks of Judah seeking justice, one might consider the fact that as people doing evil, justice would mean discipline.  Why on earth would anyone want to seek their own discipline?  Drunkards, drug users, tobacco chewers and smokers, adulterous marital partners, homosexuals, couples who shack up, gamblers, immoral dressers, embezzlers, dishonest businessmen, all who don’t put God first, etc. don’t want to hear a verdict against the activities they are enjoying.  This was exactly the attitude of the people of Isaiah’s time:

Isaiah 30:9 – For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of Jehovah; that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits, get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

Now, if the situation is framed differently, there will be a different initial response from those engaged in disobedience to God.  What if Judah was asked, how would you like God’s blessings and have a better life?  It’s seems the answer would likely be 100% “yes” in every era.  However, that is only when man can follow his own will.  When it is made clear man must follow God’s Word, disobedience and rebellion break out.  Their hearts and ears certainly do not want to hear the verdict of condemnation and punishment.  What does God think of such people? He sees them as fools (Proverbs 1:7).

Seeking justice upon oneself whether it is favorable or unfavorable is exactly what God wanted for Judah and all men.  If someone is trying to make a living and provide for their family by painting landscapes and selling them, would they not want to know how to improve their painting technique even if it meant the previous method being used was said to be inferior?  Would it not be wise, if they were going to skydive from a plane for the first time, to seek instruction rather than rely on their own instincts to make it safely to the ground?  Even if it happened that they had to endure the embarrassment of being told their parachute was on backward?  The verdict given in both situations has everything to do with truth.  The justice of the decision is given out in a fair manner.  Now consider the following verses:

Deuteronomy 8:5 – And thou shalt consider in thy heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so Jehovah thy God chasteneth thee.

Proverbs 13:24 – Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. [ESV]

Hebrews 12:5-11 – And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

These three verses point important aspects of justice when it must deliver consequences that are based on disobedient behavior.  First, justice which is based on the laws of God is grounded in the love of God for mankind.  Second, we ought to revere God for the verdict He gives.  Finally, the justice of God is designed to benefit man toward the blessings of holiness.  There are a number of verses in scripture that resound these truths, but encouragement is given here to take these few verses from proverbs to heart (Proverbs 4:1, 13, 5:23, 6:23, 8:33, 9:9, 19:20, 23:23).

When Isaiah expressed the concern of God over His people Judah directing them to “seek justice”, he presented them with an option to better themselves.  He offered an opportunity to put away the past and lovingly embrace the deep love of their Father.  This is advice that mankind today must not dismiss.  It is truth that they should cling to an entire life long.  God’s justice nudges man toward purity, growth, blessing, and an eternal reward.

Moving toward the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, Judah would feel the discipline of justice through love that God would ordain.  Jeremiah would proclaim just before those days:

And thou shalt say unto them, This is the nation that hath not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah their God, nor received instruction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. (Jeremiah 7:28)

But they hearkened not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction. (Jeremiah 17:23)

May these words not be spoken in regard to our souls.  Let us seek instruction and seek the justice which God has exacted in the past rather than experience the wrath of His justice in the future.

The next article in this series will focus on Isaiah’s words: “Reprove the Ruthless”.

Footnotes:

1)    The Hebrew word “Justice” Isaiah spoke in Isaiah 1:16-17 was mishpâṭ.  Scholars have applied Strong’s number H4941 for its definition.  Interestingly enough, H4941 is used 23 times in conjunction with the word “justice” in the King James Bible.  However, it is only one time that it is represented by that term in its 23 occurrences with “justice” (Job 36:17).  Typically, H4941 appears as the word “judgment” and on its own is actually used over 400 times in the Old Testament.  Why render the phrase “seek justice” rather than “seek judgment”?  The reason is based on a clearer understanding of common terms utilized in English today.  The word H4941 is best associated with the term “justice”.  This is demonstrated in its rendering as such in the ASV, NASV, ESV, and NKJV.

 

 

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Wash Yourselves: Learn to Do Good (2 of 6)

During the time of Isaiah, the people of Judah thought about God.  They offered sacrifices of bulls, lambs, and goats.  They recognized the sabbaths and celebrated their feasts.  Yes, they even lifted up their hands to God in prayer.  Yet, God did not recognize them (Isaiah 1:11-15).  But weren’t these good things they were engaged in?  How could God not acknowledge the good?

The first article in this series (Wash Yourselves: Cease to Do Evil) examined how the people needed to cease to do evil.  The presence of evil – disobedience to God no matter how small or great – is what separates man and God (Isaiah 59:1-2).  God needs things done according to the truth He has commanded.  He also needs them done according to the Spirit He has commanded.  Many believe walking after God in Obedience was an Old Testament phenomena and serving him with the heart is a New Testament Phenomena.  However, God never separated two.

1 Samuel 12:24 – Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

1 Kings 2:4 – That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul…

Joshua 24:14 – Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth…

John 4:24 – God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The people of Judah may have been performing physical actions based on Truth at times, but they certainly faltered when it came to engaging in actions of spiritual truth.  That is worshipping with love in their hearts for God so that they might glorify him.  Consequently, their actions were considered evil and God wanted no part in them.  They needed to learn to do good.

Doing good is positively something man must learn.  When a man is born, he neither does good nor bad.  He is an innocent being with no control over his thoughts or actions (Genesis 1:26, Ecclesiastes 7:29, Colossians 3:10).  As an individual grows he will begin to act, often without thinking through his or her actions.  He may do physical actions which are good or evil, but they are done in ignorance.  The actions done against God’s will are still evil and the person’s first encounter with sin (Ezekiel 28:15).  They will soon grow to a point of accountability in which they know what is good and evil and they will have control over their actions.  One might ask, “Can sin be committed ignorantly?”  Certainly! (Ezekiel 45:20, Acts 3:17)  The next question may be: “Can a person do something they believe in their heart is good, but in actuality be doing evil?”  Again, the answer is:  Certainly! (Leviticus 10:1-2, 2 Samuel 6:6-7, Acts 7:46-51)  To continually do good, man must be able to grow past his ignorance and beyond his own reasoning (Ecclesiastes 6:12).

Good is doing exactly what God has commanded. This is an understanding always given to people who would follow God.

Deuteronomy 5:32 – Ye shall observe to do therefore as Jehovah your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Joshua 1:7 – Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

2 Kings 22:2 – And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

Galatians 1:8 – But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Revelation 22:18-19 – For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Man must conform himself to what God desires, rather than what he desires for himself (Romans 12:2).  This is easy to say, but application of it to one’s life is not.  This is readily seen across the Christian world.  The Church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 seems to be a good example of many modern churches.  They were praised by Jesus as he noted they reproved folks who did evil.  They were patient and endured in laboring for God.  Unfortunately, it was said they left their first love.  Initially, it seems as if these folks were like the children of Judah.  They were not serving from their heart, but simply engaging in actions.  However, the issue seems to be deeper than this as they were exhorted to return to their first works.  Is it possible that they had begun to add to their service items which God had not commanded?  That perhaps they were turning aside to the left and right from the authorized direction of God?  Consider those who have added instrumentation to their singing, moving to the left and right of what God has commanded (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).  How about those who practice spreading the gospel through drama and activities, adding to preaching, which God has singly authorized (I Corinthians 1:21)?  How many churches are there that think they are a form of soup kitchen arranging food discounts or preparing meals for the public?  This was never commanded by God.  These same groups have often chosen to fill pews with bottoms that do nothing, rather than engaging the public with the gospel.  These things are not good.  These people have not learned good.  They have not conformed to God, but to the world.

The purpose of man in this world is to do good works ordained by God (Ephesians 2:10). What is this good that is spoken about?  Isaiah mentions four items in Isaiah 1:16-17:  Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.  Add to these numerous other commands including preaching the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15), encouraging the fainthearted, supporting the weak (I Thessalonians 5:14), providing for one’s family (I Timothy 5:8), comforting one another (I Thessalonians 4:18), thinking on things above (Colossians 3:2), strengthening the family (Colossians 3:18-21), and working always as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-25).  There are an endless number of good things that man can do in this life.  Ultimately, he is to live at peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14).  This can be accomplished by being a good neighbor (I Corinthians 10:24) and leading by example (I Peter 3:1).  Christians often wonder what they can do to serve God.  The list of good a man can do is endless:  Write a letter, open a door, say a kind word, care for a child, read a book to a senior, lend a hand to a project, make a meal, visit, sit and talk, give a ride, listen, hold a hand… and on and on the activities could be engaged in.  The simple truth is this:  many people do not want learn to do or engage in doing good.  The nine out of ten lepers did not return to thank Jesus for their health (Luke 17:12-15).  Jews feared men of the synagogue more than they desired to do good (John 12:42).  The men Stephen tried to share the gospel with turned and stoned him (Acts 7).  Felix wanted money to do good rather than to do it because it was the desire of God (Acts 24:25-26).  The opportunity to do good is everywhere, but many do not seek it.

God has given direction for good in every area of life (2 Peter 3:2-3), but how is it man is supposed to learn it?  How again are the commands of God to be spread from one man to another?  Preaching!  Man can learn to do good by preaching!

Mark 6:12 – And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Mark 16:20 – And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 4:44 – And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Acts 8:5 – Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

Galatians 3:8 – And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Man can learn to do good by study!

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ephesians 3:4 – Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Act 17:11 – These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Man can learn to do good by the example of those who do good!  Walk in their footsteps as they walk in the footsteps of men who follow God!

Titus 2:7 – In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

John 13:15 – For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

1 Peter 2:12 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Man can learn to do good.  He can do it through the preaching of men, study, and good examples.  When the world of the scriptures is unfolded before an open mind and heart, great good can be done.  God’s purpose can be displayed in that individual and all with whom he comes into contact (Titus 3:8).

When man determines not to seek good, he shames himself in the eyes of God.  He has become a creation that never achieved its potential.  One of the sad results of this is the emptiness the cross represents to those who do not engage in good.  Jesus left the glory of heaven, humbling himself into a fleshly form, serving mankind, being mistreated by mankind, being spat upon and crucified by mankind and for what if they do not fulfill their purpose?

Titus 2:14 – [Jesus] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Isaiah preached of the Messiah, though he did not see His coming or know God’s plan in its fullness.  He called Judah to change their lives, to learn to do good.  Through His Word, Jesus calls us today to not make His death in vain.  Isaiah warned the people that there would be punishment for those who did change.  If they did not learn to do good works, there would be unpleasant consequences.  This message of God has not changed.

Matthew 3:10 – Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Isaiah’s exhortation to “learn to good” was followed by the direction to “Seek Justice”.  This will be the next article in this series of “Wash Yourselves”.  Before then, as a final thought,  embrace the following:

Hebrews 10:24 – And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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Wash Yourselves: Cease to Do Evil (1 of 6)

The prophet Isaiah shared the Word of God during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.  Over approximately 50 years, he instructed and reproved Judah.  Though three of the four kings of Judah were considered good, the people and its capitol city, Jerusalem, were characterized by sin.  Their deeds and hearts were sorely lacking in meeting the path laid out by God.  By the promise of God and detailed prophecy, Jesus the Christ would be born the seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David in Bethlehem.  Were it not for this predetermined plan of God, Judah would quite likely have become as Sodom and Gomorrah as the prophet Isaiah himself shared with them.  Though his writings in the book called by his name are lengthy, verses sixteen and seventeen of the first chapter summarize it well.  The first sentence of those verses summing even more succinctly:

“Wash Yourselves, Make Yourselves Clean;”

When Moses had taken the people by God’s command out of Egypt, they came to Mount Sinai.  The Lord told Moses to prepare the people for his appearance before Him by telling them to prepare and wash themselves and their garments (Genesis 19:10).  The Lord’s own priesthood to serve in His tabernacle were to wash themselves in order to serve (Exodus 29:4).  The sacrifices of the High priest each year were for the purpose of cleansing the people and himself due to the presence of their sin (Leviticus 16:19-20).  Today, Christians engage in the practice of baptism for the washing of their sins by the blood of Christ (I Peter 3:21).  Perhaps the phrase, “cleanliness is next to Godliness” comes to mind when examining the expectation of God for his people.  While the physical cleanliness was part of the early presentation of God’s people, it is apparent it was a type of the spiritual cleanliness expected by their Creator.  Thus returning to the word’s Isaiah shared with Judah:  “Wash Yourselves, Make Yourselves Clean”.  Judah had soiled themselves with sin.  God through Isaiah was calling them to repent.  In this command, Isaiah details six areas of focus:

1.    Cease to do evil.

2.    Learn to do good.

3.    Seek to do justice.

4.    Reprove the oppressor.

5.    Defend the orphan.

6.    Plead for the widow.

This series of six articles will focus upon the words of Isaiah individually and apply them to Christians today.  Though these are timeless principles of God and not tied to the authority of the Law of Moses which no longer holds power over the faithful, the authority of the New Testament will still be demonstrated for each.  This article will focus on the first principle: “Cease to do evil”.

What is evil?  In the beginning, there was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  In Genesis 2:16-17, God told man not to eat of this tree.  Until the point that man did this, they did not know evil.  However, upon eating of the fruit of that tree, they did know evil.  For the first time in his life, man was disobedient to the command of God.  Their actions introduced them to evil.  Eating a fruit is evil?  It is if it is in opposition to God.  Stealing, murder, pre-marital sex, lying, immodest dress, social drinking,  breaking the simplest laws of the government, thinking thoughts against God’s will, cursing, watching corrupt television, listening to immoral music, or dressing or acting in a way to cause others to lust after you?  All of these are evil!  It does not matter how big or small man considers a transgression against God’s commands to be, disobedience is evil.  The list could go on and on.

It is true, many in the world know the actions they engage in are said to be wrong and yet, they do them anyway.  Perhaps they disagree with the assessment there is a right and wrong directed by God.  They trust their own judgment and believe that if there is a God, He will understand.  It is possible; these individuals may not even care if God doesn’t like their actions.  They are going to do what they want and whatever is to happen will happen.  Such people are ignorantly defiant of God’s will.  They do not know the truths of God’s Word and perhaps they have never sought to know or understand them.  This does not give them excuse (Romans 1:20). Neither defiance nor ignorance can change an action from evil to good.    God’s message is still: “Cease to do evil.”

The situation of the defiantly ignorant reminds me of the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.  The great chocolate magician Willy Wonka brings five children into his chocolate factory to see his many secrets.   He gives them various instructions about what to do and what not to do.  The particular scene which comes to mind is when one of the children “Violet Beauregarde” takes some dinner flavored gum to chew without permission.  Wonka warns her “Oh, I wouldn’t do that.  I really wouldn’t”.  Of course, she goes against the instruction.  As everyone watches in amazement, they all query her about the experience she is having.  Wonka in a resigned voice, knowing he will be ignored, states nonchalantly “Stop, don’t”.  But the girl chews onward in defiant oblivion.  She doesn’t think it’s a big deal.  It’s only gum after all.  In the end, she turns blue and blows up like a blimp, suffering the consequences of her actions.  Her ignorance did not save her.  It did not justify her actions.  What she did was wrong and so are the actions man does when they rely upon their own perceived sense of what is right or wrong.  God has stated the times of ignorance are over.  God has shared the truth with man and man can choose whether or not to seek and accept or not.  The consequences of evil are not going to change.

Acts 17:30 – And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Why is it that men do evil in the first place?  As many as the number of evils there are, perhaps there are a similar number of reasons man engages in disobedience.  Here are a few:  First, men often engage in evil because it will bring them pleasure.  Sin is most often a pleasurable experience at some point or it would not be engaged in.  Simply because it feels good or makes a person happy, does not make the action have the authority of God.  Stepping on the gas and breaking the speed limit so you can get somewhere on time makes you feel good, but it isn’t according to the law and is therefore, evil.

Second, men often engage in evil to acquire wealth, power, or recognition.  Every day people lie on their resumes about their education, experience, and background.  They think this will bring them gain in the end, but it is only an earthly achievement.  Moreover, it is an evil achievement.

Third, men often engage in evil, because they are trying to cover up evil.  Adam and Eve tried playing the blame game for their actions instead of owning up to what they did in the garden.  They were essentially lying to God about their actions.  Deception is evil and must cease.

Finally, though not an exhaustive list, men engage in evil because of a lack of love.  They do not love their neighbor, citizen, family, friend, or stranger enough to not defraud them.  They defraud them morally, financially, spiritually, in whatever way they wish, because they have a lack of love in their heart.  The lack of love in their heart causes them to be disobedient to God. If they loved Him, they would not be disobedient (John 14:15).  A lack of love and greater interest in themselves rather than their fellow man and God causes man to do evil.

There are many excuses man gives for the evil they do.  “It is ok if I don’t give back the extra change I received at Walmart. I am not hurting anyone”.  Whose change is it supposed to be?  It is Walmart’s change.  The individual is essentially robbing Walmart.  “But Walmart is a massively big company, I am not hurting anyone!”  This excuse is used frequently, but is never true.  When someone engages in evil, they always hurt self.  Stealing is wrong.  Keeping the change is stealing from Walmart.  The additional damage could have been from those silently observing to see what would happen.  Then they would reason, “Well, they did it so I can too!”  So now self and others have been hurt from a foolish and yes, evil action.  It also hurts God, because he sees the damage being done to the sinner’s life and it grieves His Spirit (Ephesians 4:17-32).

Another common excuse to do evil is:  “I am not ready to change my life, I want to live a little first, then I will commit.”  In other words, self comes before God.  Self comes before any impact I have on those who come in contact with me.  Regardless of how wise a person thinks they are by taking this attitude, they are not guaranteed their next breath.  As the man of Luke 12:16-20 made big plans for his riches and future only to have his life end before they were realized, so too does this possibility exist for all men, young and old.  Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind means God comes first (Matthew 22:37).  When man does not put God first, he is engaged in evil.

A third common excuse used by man: “It’s not my problem, it’s theirs”.  Often I see young men and women dress on the edge of decency.  Yes, their peer group may be pressuring them into meeting all the “official” guidelines of clothing – no low cut blouses, skirt to the knees, shoulders covered…, but they still wear the clothes tight and have the desire to make others look at them.  Guys trying to show off their chests, arms, abs, or legs are doing the same thing! There is a heart problem here.  In seeking to cause others to desire them, they are being lascivious.  They are causing someone else to lust.  Clothes are a tool.  They are a tool for covering the body.  Clothes are not properly to be a tool to create a longing in someone.  “But it’s not my problem, it’s theirs”.  Man is to keep one another from stumbling in sin.  They are not be a stumbling block (Romans16:17, I Corinthians 10:32-33, I Thessalonians 4:3-7, Jude 1:22-23).  When we enable someone else’s sin through our behavior, it is evil.

Why cease from evil?  God said not to do evil (Romans 6:11-15, I Thessalonians 5:22).  Man should love himself enough not to be disobedient to God.  He should love others enough not to do evil.  He should love God enough not to do evil.  Hear the words of the prophet Micah:

Micah 6:8 – He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Know and understand, the man who does evil does not have a pleasurable future.  The prophet Isaiah when calling upon Judah to “Cease to do evil” instructed them of the consequences.  In Isaiah 1:20 following his words of instruction Isaiah stated:

 “But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword:”

The Word of God is that sword (Ephesians 6:17).  It is two edged and sharp (Hebrews 4:12).  The Word of God can both protect in love and devour with punishment.  Isaiah shares the Word of God with the people so they might no longer sin through disobedience.  Some people today say that God would never do such a thing, but to the contrary, consider these words from His apostles:

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 – And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

 2 Peter 3:7-12 – but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,  looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

God never desired that man do evil and choose to be disobedient. He warned Adam and Eve not to do evil.  He called men to change their evil ways in the days of Noah (2 Peter 2:5, I Peter 3:18-20).  He called non Hebrew nations to repentance (Jonah, Nahum).  He called Judah to repentance (Isaiah 1:16).  Today, he calls all men to receive the power of salvation through the Gospel repenting of the evil they have done and cleansing themselves before Him (Acts 2:38, Romans 1:16).  Doing evil does harm to individual, community, and God.  Evil is commanded against and must stop.  In its place one must “learn to do good”.  Learning to do good will be the topic of the next article in this series.

 

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