Isaiah 33

Scripture

Isaiah 33:5

The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.

Observation - What does it say?

In light of the darkness around them, people destroying and betraying one another, Isaiah calls upon God. And, he knew God would be faithful to answer. He is God, there is no other above him, and where he chooses to carry out his will he will do so completely. There is no force in the universe, human or spiritual, that can oppose him or frustrate his plan.

Understanding - What does it mean?

The nature of God's kingdom is that is imposes itself wherever God chooses. And the existing rulership, no matter how powerful, is removed without a fight.

 

God's kingdom coming to a place he chooses is like the light being turned on in that room. There's no recognition of the darkness that once ruled. Without a struggle or fight, it just becomes light with no trace of what once was. Justice fills places that were unjust. Righteousness fills places and hearts that were wicked. Faith is deposited where there was doubt. God-worship completely fills places once used for idol-worship. Healing and wholeness comes fully, making sickness and pain just faded memories.

 

God doesn't mix in with what's existing, as if there are strands of light now next to strands of darkness. Rather, he FILLS.
God is not content with a little influence, a little justice or a little righteousness. He FILLS. And if a place or heart is FULL of his justice and righteousness, there is no room for anything else!

 

A similar analogy is in verse 14, referring to God as a consuming fire! Fire has no prejudice or preference. It burns anything in it’s way and consumes completely.

Life Application

Ask God to fill the earth with everything he is.

God, thank you that when you choose to fill a heart or a place there is nothing that can resist you. Your love melts the hardest hearts, your kindness turns the most stubborn around, and your arm is strong enough to defeat any enemy. We invite you to come to fill us, our church and our city and the world with all that you are. Let your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Fill us with your righteousness, your justice and your love. The world is desperate for you. Not just for a little of you but for you to come and FILL the earth like the water fills the seas.  Amen.

 

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