Page 27 - September 2025 - Truth & Tidings

Righteousness Produces first, then peace.
2
Peace Carefully note the features above that

Because of man’s inherent sinfulness, we characterize His rule and that lead to
have been unable to govern with true, con- peace: impartiality, special attention to the
sistent righteousness. We lack the wisdom oppressed, the removal of the wicked, and
to perceive the evil at work or the courage righteousness. He doesn’t play favorites
to condemn it. We feel the pressure from but instead judges cases upon facts. To
those who lobby for the outcome that ben- the hypocritical religious leaders of His
efits them. We sell out to those who will day, the Lord said, “Stop judging accord-
later line our pockets. We take advantage ing to outward appearances; rather judge
of the weak and oppressed because we according to righteous judgment” (Joh
know they cannot fight back. We think 7:24). Yet His concern for the facts does
might is right, or else we compromise on not imply a cold indifference to people; He
what is right in order to maintain a pseudo recognizes that some individuals’ lot in life
and short-lived peace that is as fragile as it
is fake. But won’t it be wonderful, beloved, often leaves them unjustly disadvantaged,
when our Man is reigning over the earth? and He corrects that. Wicked people will
The Lord Jesus is not swayed by the not be allowed to roam freely in search of
sinful whims of others and He has no sin more victims. Not only does the Lord see
within Himself. He will get to the heart their actions, but He knows their hearts,
of the issues. “He will not judge by what and justice will be served. And overarch-
he sees with his eyes, he will not execute ing all of this is an understanding of what
justice by what he hears with his ears, really is right and what really is wrong.
but he will judge the poor righteously The Psalmist said, “The decrees you issue
and execute justice for the oppressed of are righteous and altogether trustworthy”
the land. He will strike the land with a (Psa 119:138), and the Lord Jesus perfectly
scepter from his mouth, and he will kill understands and applies all the decrees of
the wicked with a command from his God. While it is true that our governments
lips. Righteousness will be a belt around need to learn this, so do we as the people
his hips; faithfulness will be a belt around of God today. Local churches should also
his waist” (Isa 11:3-5). And listen to what
follows: “The result of righteousness will be characterized by a Christ-like love of
be peace; the effect of righteousness will be righteousness and hatred of wickedness
quiet confidence forever. Then my people (Psa 45:7).
will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and Justice is coming, beloved. Righteous-
secure dwellings” (32:17-18). The peace ness will reign. A corrupt and broken world
of the kingdom will be a consequence of will yet be rescued and repaired. “Let jus-
the righteousness of the King. This is also tice flow like water, and righteousness, like
intimated by “Melchizedek, king of Salem, an unfailing stream” (Amo 5:24). “Amen!
priest of God Most High” (Heb 7:1; cf. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20).
Gen 14) – a lovely picture of Christ. “First,
his name means king of righteousness, 2 See Romans 14:17, where righteousness and
then also, king of Salem, meaning king peace are both linked with the kingdom and our
of peace” (Heb 7:2). Notice righteousness life today.

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