Mercy, truth, justice, righteousness

Mercy, truth, justice, righteousness

Scripture:-And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. Isaiah 16:5

Observation:- in the midst of a prophecy against Moab in Isaiah 16, we see a prophetic verse referring to the coming reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. And there are four qualities that describe His reign.

Firstly, is mercy. What is mercy? It gives the impression of forgiveness, letting go of a debt, sparing someone from punishment. As the Psalmist writes, all have turned away, there is no one who does good, not even one. They have become altogether corrupt. Without mercy, no one could stand before the Lord, but it is God’s mercy through Jesus Christ that enables us to come to Him. Jesus told the Pharisees “If you had understood what these words mean, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent”. It is God’s nature to show His creation mercy, as it is written, His mercies are new every morning. Likewise, we too, who have been shown mercy, must show others mercy. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. There is also the warning of the parable of the unmerciful servant who would not forgive his fellow brother and received his due punishment.

Secondly, is truth. Mercy and truth are often mentioned together in the Bible. Abraham’s servant blessed God for showing His mercy and truth to Abraham. Jacob thanked God for His mercy and truth. The Psalmist writes “mercy and truth are met together.” Truth speaks of the unchanging faithfulness of God, His precision and exactness in all things, His honesty and loyalty and integrity.

Thirdly is justice. The king will judge and seek judgment. He is concerned about establishing order in the kingdom, and cultivating a people who will follow His ways.

Finally is righteousness. The coming king is righteous, doing what is right and ruling a people who are called to be righteous.

Application: These four characteristics should also define us who follow Jesus – mercy, truth, justice and righteousness

Prayer: Lord, May You change our hearts each day as we grow to love You more and more, and let the Spirit cultivate in us Your mercy, Your justice, Your truth and Your righteousness that we might reflect Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.