I don’t know about you but in these recent days and times I’ve never appreciated righteousness and justice more.  I know a pastor in prison right now falsely accused and not given bond because he is “obese” and it’s for his protection.  He is skinny.  There is another who organized a peaceful trucker convoy and she is in prison.  I know of judges who do not put righteousness as a priority but their own power needs.

In this Messianic verse, it says,

“I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations” (v. 1).

“In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discourage till he establishes justice on earth” (v. 4)

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness” (v. 6)

Righteousness and justice.  There is life, peace and joy when those exist and stress, unrest and distress when there is a world where some people seem immune to law.  But though some will get by with it in this life, they have a God to answer to.  They can justify their actions all they want, but they have to answer to God’s righteousness, holiness and justice.

This Scripture is Messianic and it says that Jesus is the point of justice.  How? The cross.  Jesus paid for sin for those who accept him by faith.  All others will experience God’s wrath because he is good and brings justice.   Also he transforms us so that we can do as the Scriptures say and become a light to the nations.  In this context it was for the Jews to be a light to the Gentiles.

Because of the righteousness and justice that the LORD brings, there can be great rejoicing.  Everyone is to rejoice with dancing and singing.  For those who trust in the LORD he will restore and he will turn light to darkness, but those who trust in idols will be turned back in shame.

For Israel, she was sent as a messenger to proclaim to the nations God’s righteousness and justice.  But she is blind and deaf.  Like one who pays no attention.  Who will listen?  Remember that it is the LORD whom they have sinned against and not followed his ways.  So he poured out on them his anger.  He allowed war in their land.  Yet they still did not understand.  They still did not take it to heart.

There was war and they were crushed but even in this they still didn’t even think to connect it with their perpetual rebellion against God.  It’s why a Savior would be necessary.