Desiring Righteousness and Jehovah's "Memorial"

After this triumphant song, Isaiah reveals the depth of his own devotion and the rewards of serving the God of righteousness.  (Read Isaiah 26:7-9) The prophet provides a fine example of 'hoping in Jehovah' and of having a deep desire for Jehovah's "name" and "memorial."  What is Jehovah's  memorial? Exodus 3:15 says:  "Jehovah is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation."  Isaiah cherishes Jehovah's name and all that it stands for, including His righteous standards and ways.  Those who cultivate  a similar love for Jehovah are assured of his blessing. -Psalm 5:8; 25:4, 5; 135:13; Hosea 12:5.

Not all, however, love Jehovah and his lofty standards.  (Read Isaiah 26:10) The wicked , even when invited, stubbornly refuse to learn righteousness in order to enter "The land of straightforwardness," the land occupied by Jehovah's  morally and spiritually straightforward servants.  Consequently, the wicked "will not see the eminence of Jehovah."  They will not live to enjoy the blessing that will flow to mankind after Jehovah's name has been sanctified.  Even in the new world, when the whole earth will be a "land of straightforwardness,"  some may fail to respond to Jehovah's loving-kindness.  The names of such ones will not be written in the book of life. -Isaiah 65:20; Revelation 20:12, 15.

"O Jehovah, your hand has become high, but they do not behold it.  They will behold and be ashamed at the zeal for your people.  Yes, the very fire for your own adversaries will eat them up."  (Isaiah 26:11)  In Isaiah's day, the hand of Jehovah has shown itself to be exalted when Jehovah protects his people by acting against their enemies.  Bu most have not recognized this.  Such ones, spiritually blind by choice, will eventually be forced to  "behold," or acknowledge, Jehovah when they are eaten up by the fire of his zeal.  (Zephaniah 1:18)  God later says to Ezekiel:  "They will have to know that I am Jehovah." -Ezekiel 38:23.

Next time: "Whom Jehovah Loves He Disciplines"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000