Clothed In Righteousness

Scripture:

Isaiah 3:13-15(NIV)

The Lord takes his place in court;
    he rises to judge the people.
The Lord enters into judgment
    against the elders and leaders of his people:
“It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
    the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
What do you mean by crushing my people
    and grinding the faces of the poor?”
declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.

Devotional:

God’s judgement, people seem to think it isn’t real.  In verse 11 it says, “Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!  They will be paid back for what their hands have done.”  The bible makes it clear that the wicked, evil, and unrighteous will be judged.  Who is that?  Well to be honest, that is everyone.  Romans 3:23 (NIV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” yes it does means each one of us. 

The Israelites are God’s chosen people, yet they faced judgement.   Why is that?  They forgot who they were.  They became self-seeking.  Isaiah 3:12 states, “Youths oppress my people, women rule over them.  My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.”  Because of leadership the entire nation was being led astray.  Because of this God was preparing judgement upon the people.

Romans 3:23 states all have sinned and fall short.  This means that each and everyone of us faces God’s judgement.  But there is good news.  Isaiah 3:10 says, “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.”  Those that are righteous will be blessed and spared God’s judgement.  Actually, the righteous have a substitute for their judgement.  Romans 3:24, “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Those who are of faith, believe in Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior, will become justified.  They will become righteous.  Our rags are exchanged for His righteousness.  Jesus took upon Himself our judgement upon the cross.

Will you stand before judgement alone?  Will you stand before judgement clothed in the righteousness of Christ?  The choice is yours.