SOAP 02/02/2016; Isaiah 59:17

Today's reading: Exodus 33, 34; Psalm 16; Acts 9*

S) "¹⁷ He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle."

Isaiah 59:17 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 59

O) God, seeing that there was none to intercede on behalf of His people, took the matter into His own hands. There have been many times throughout the history of God's people, that He has acted directly to accomplish His plans. There were times when He fought the enemies of His people with direct intervention (e.g. Isaiah 37:36). There were times when He would deliver His servants directly (e.g. 1 Samuel 17:37). But, more often, He would use people to perform His will, to deliver, destroy, restore, or communicate. In this case, though, the LORD saw that there was no one to use to deliver His people. So, God prepares to do battle Himself. This verse is also similar to Ephesians 6, where Paul described the armor of God that a Christian should wear (spiritually), but only half of it. It is striking to see the similarities in the righteousness and salvation, which are identical, with the difference in the vengeance and the zeal. The righteousness that belongs to every Christian, is the righteousness of God Himself, which is imputed on believers through Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:9). The salvation is also the same, because the salvation of Christians is the salvation of God. But then, the difference in the two passages starts with the vengeance. Nowhere in New Testament, is a Christian instructed to take any form of vengeance, and it is specifically forbidden in two places (see Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30). That's all pretty straightforward. The last line, though, may be the hardest to sort out. While there are a great many New Testament passages that talk about being zealous in admirable terms, it is not part of the armor in Ephesians. It's possible that there is no significant reason, but there also might be some clue as to what article is described with zeal. A mantle, or a cloak, would serve two purposes in battle. The first, is simply to cover as a matter of added protection (against enemies or elements). The second, though, is that it could be used as an identifier. In this case, it's entirely possible that God is conveying His identity, as zealous for His people. It would be something along the lines of saying, "My righteousness, salvation, and vengeance, with respect to my people, they are all wrapped up in my zeal for them." That is somewhat speculative, but it seems to fit with other scripture about God's character.

A) Like so many aspects of Godms character, as they are revealed through Scripture, I am in awe when I observe them. This verse reminds me that my God is ready to do battle for me, especially when no one else will. Knowing that He will fight for me, driven by His love for me, it is humbling and a blessing just to know it. This verse serves as a reminder to me that, while I am created in the image of God, I am not God. Vengeance is the LORD'S, not mine. I don't have to worry about pursuing justice for myself, because He will right every wrong, eventually. I shouldn't be in a hurry for it, either, because I know my life is secured for eternity, which is a lot longer than however long it takes for His return.

P) Father, thank You for Your zeal for me! It is amazing, that You look upon me with passionate love. It is humbling to realize that You have compassion and care for me, even in light of all my brokenness, sin, and humanity. I confess that I have sinned, thinking I need to right the wrongs against me, trying to take vengeance into my own hands. Please forgive me, and continue to discipline me, to wait upon You alone for judgment and vengeance, to right the wrongs against me. Help me to, instead, focus on mercy and love, just as You have shown me. Thank You, for the righteousness and salvation that I receive, that I share with You. Let me walk in my armor, as I trust You to walk in Yours. Be glorified in everything. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.