Oaks of Righteousness

How do you see things in our society? I am thinking about some of the moral changes that have taken place over the past few decades.

I would like for you to look at our society, perhaps, our world, through a special lens. I would like for you to make an evaluation. The lens I wish to use involves a prophecy.

The prophet Isaiah was sent to the people of God with a message, a warning. (Chapter 58)

Isaiah described the activities of God’s people:

• They sought after God, to know His ways;
• They acted righteous;
• They called on God for justice;
• They were delighted in God’s nearness;
• They fasted and humbled themselves.

Yet, God did not respond. And why?

The people were guilty of strife and wickedness. They oppressed their fellow man and did not share with the homeless and poor.

Then Isaiah revealed:

Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God,

And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

--Isaiah 59:2

Among other sins was the lack of justice, and no one was astonished that no one interceded for the oppressed. (59:15-16) Then came the voice of judgment:

“According to their deeds, so He [God] will repay.” (59:18)

Then came God’s message of hope for Israel, if they would turn from their sin. (Ch. 60) However, it is what God said next that has captured my attention and caused me to reflect on our society today. Isaiah then turned the focus to the oppressed, but not all who were oppressed.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

Because the Lord has anointed me

To bring good news to the afflicted;

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to captives

And freedom to prisoners;

To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord

And the day of vengeance of our God;

To comfort all who mourn…. 

--Isaiah 61:1-2

Later these who were oppressed were referred to as oaks of righteousness, as ones planted in order to glorify God. These were God’s people; the ones who remained righteous in spite of the evil in their land. They were ones who were affected by the sin and wickedness. They were astonished because the ways of God had been abandoned. They witnessed the changes in their society as it degraded due to sin. They understood the necessity of God’s judgment against His people. For these things they mourned.

Yet, they would be comforted because God would make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah’s prophecy was looking forward to the new covenant that would be established by the Messiah. God’s promise would bring comfort.

I know that America is not God’s chosen nation as was Israel. Yet, I wonder how the degrading conditions of our society affect you? In recent years we have seen behaviors that God considers sinful to be legalized, promoted as normal, and even presented as good. How does all that affect you? Do you think God will not judge our nation? Do you pray for our nation?

Will you remain faithful? Do you hate sin? Are you deeply affected by the condition of our society? Jesus assured...

Blessed are those who mourn, 

     for they shall be comforted.

Mark Stinnett

December 26, 2021