Isaiah 16

ScriptureIsaiah 16:4b-5The oppressor will come to an end,and destruction will cease;the aggressor will vanish from the land.⁵ In love a throne will be established;in faithfulness a man will sit on it—one from the house of David—one who in judging seeks justiceand speeds the cause of righteousness.Observation - What does it say?Moab’s refugees will cry out to God for help. And God speaks through Isaiah about a time that the oppressor of Moab will come to an end along with destruction. And, in it’s place a new throne will be established when a man, speaking of Jesus, will sit on the throne who will rule in faithfulness and who will be quick to decide and do what is right.God’s answer to Moab’s plea for help is none other than the Messiah. One day Jesus will take the throne and rule with absolute justice.Understanding - What does it mean?Regardless of the period in history we live, whether 3 thousand years ago or today, there have always been wicked rulers in the earth. Whether it was evil kings then or terrorists today, wicked people in places of power and influence have been oppressing and harming the innocent.However, there will be a time to come – a time looked forward to by the Moabite refugees as well as those currently suffering loss in Paris – a time when every evil power is destroyed and Jesus takes the throne once and for all. It is in this day that we put our hope.Life ApplicationI can’t help but think about all those who lost their lives in Paris, France on Friday, their families and friends who are grieving, the countless others who are living in fear of another attack, and the misguided terrorists that have been deceived into thinking God will reward them for these heinous acts.Pray for those in Paris. Will you join me in taking the next 30 seconds to pause and pray for them? Pray for comfort, for salvation, for protection, for peace.Put your hope in the day when our Messiah will take the throne and rule with absolute justice. Jesus, we look to you. You are our only hope! Holy Spirit, please comfort all those mourning today. Amen.Psalm 34:18The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.