WEEKLY
SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An
international Sunday school lesson commentary
For
Sunday April 26, 2020
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A JUSTICE LOVING GOD
(Good news for the oppressed)
(Isaiah 61:8-62:4)
In the Greek, the word
used for “messenger” is “aggelos” (ang-el-os), and “it describes one who brings
news or tidings by divine order from GOD”. The
Old Testament prophet served as, quite literally, “the contemporary voice of
GOD”. They cried out boldly, not only to foretell future events, but also to
correct sinful behavior in his or her current generation.
Their
messages were intended to also help mankind to shape “a more moral society”, by
adhering to the Word of GOD, for both his, and, for future generations. And every
prophet GOD sent was clearly focused on “justice”. So much so, that the word “justice”
can be found in Scripture more than 90 times, and the word “just”, as in “being
just”, more than 40 times.
For about 700 years of Israel’s history,
from the time of Samuel to the time of Malachi, and even beyond that, to the
time of John the Baptist, the prophets each served as GOD’s special messenger
in their own generation. Their legacy of fierce dedication to the LORD and HIS
ways, are forever preserved for us to see, in the annals of Holy Scriptures.
And even though their messages were not largely
heeded, during the days that they themselves walked along the stage of human
life (and still are not largely heeded today), that, never stopped them from
performing their “personally assigned creation roles” from the GOD in Heaven,
WHO sent them.
GOD’s servants, and HIS followers, will
always suffer in a world that is totally averse to HIS Will and HIS ways. Originally,
GOD planted Israel into the world to be “a beacon of light”, to HIS world, which
had long ago fallen into darkness. Israel went on to fail GOD on practically
every level, and they, instead, began to desire the ways of the world, that
they themselves, had been expected to positively influence.
The Apostle Paul often referred to “Salvation”
as clothing for the righteous, and even JESUS used that analogy in several of
HIS parables. JESUS referred to the righteous as “guests” who were clothed in
special garments that were provided by the host (Matthew 22:11-14). Being dressed
in such garments showed that that person was “an invited guest” having a full
right to join the celebration.
Here in Isaiah 61, verses 8-11, we see the
prophet Isaiah announce that “a justice loving GOD”, WHO, hates robbery and
wrongdoing, will faithfully reward HIS people for their suffering here on
earth. GOD will make an everlasting covenant, not only with those who suffer in
this present generations, but HE will also bless their descendants in
generations to come. Everyone will recognize GOD’s people by the way they have
been blessed (Vs.8-9).
Isaiah was overwhelmed with joy in the LORD
because he was “dressed with the clothing of Salvation”, and “draped in a robe
of righteousness”. He felt like a bridegroom all dressed up in his wedding attire,
or like a bride flossing in her jewelry (v.10). In verse 11 Isaiah gives us
this message from the LORD, saying, “The sovereign LORD will show HIS
justice to the nations of the world”.
GOD is a lover of justice, and injustice anywhere,
is a threat to justice everywhere. GOD calls on “HIS greatest creation”,
mankind, to hate unfair treatment of anyone at any time, in any place on earth.
Living GOD’s way requires that we apply justice, and insist on creating a moral
society for ourselves, and also leaving a pattern of GODly examples for our children,
and all future generation to follow.
In Isaiah 62:1-4, the prophet prays for his
beloved Israel. Here he proclaims; “Because I love Zion, because my heart
yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her
until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a
burning torch. The nations will see your righteousness. Kings will be blinded
by your glory. And the LORD will give you a new name. The LORD will hold you in
HIS hands for all to see --- a splendid crown in the hands of GOD. Never again
will you be called “the GOD forsaken City” or “the Desolate Land”. Your new
name will be “the City of GOD’s Delight” and “the Bride of GOD”, for the LORD
delights in you and will claim you as HIS OWN” (NLT).
Here Isaiah continues to maintain a sense
of joy as he commits himself to continued prayer for a fallen Jerusalem until
their day of deliverance comes. Perhaps this prayer not only refers to Israel’s
returned exiles, but also to future generations of Christians, even here in
this 21st century. GOD has given HIS followers “a new name”, “Christians”,
who extend well beyond the borders of Zion, and indeed, can be found, even in
many remote places in the world today.
A
Sunday school lesson by,
Larry
D. Alexander
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official
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