Obedience Brings Rich Blessings

If only Jehovah's people would have the insight to heed his loving reproof!  Jehovah says:  "In that case your light would break forth just like the dawn; and speedily would recuperation spring up for you.  And before you your righteousness would certainly walk; the very glory of Jehovah would be your rear guard.  In that case you would call, and Jehovah himself would answer; you would cry for help, and he would say, 'Here I am!" " (Isaiah 58:8, 9a)  What warm, appealing words!  Jehovah blesses and protects   those delighting in loving-kindness and righteousness.  If Jehovah's people repent of their harshness and hypocrisy and obey him, things will get much brighter for them.  Jehovah will grant "recuperation," a spiritual and physical recovery for the nation.  He will also guard them, as did their forefathers when they were leaving Egypt. And he will respond immediately to their cries for help. -Exodus 14:19, 20, 31.

Jehovah now adds to his earlier exhortation, saying: "If you will remove from your midst the yoke bar [of harsh, unjust slavery], the poking out of the finger [possibly in scorn or false accusation] and the speaking of what is hurtful; and you will grant to the hungry one your own soulful desire, and you will satisfy the soul that is being afflicted, your light also will certainly flash up even in the darkness, and your gloom will be like midday."  (Isaiah 58:9b, 10)  Selfishness and harshness are self-defeating and bring Jehovah's wrath.  Kindness and generosity, however, especially when exercised toward the hungry  and the afflicted, bring God's  rich blessing.  If only the Jews  will take these truths to heart!  Then their spiritual radiance and prosperity will make them shine like the midday sun, dispelling any gloom. Above all, they will bring honor and praise to Jehovah, the Source of their glory and blessings. -1 King 8:41-43.

Next time: A Nation Restored

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume Ii, 2001