The first part of Isaiah chapter 32 speaks of a future time when the Lord will right wrongs that exist in societies. Isaiah points out that the Lord will reign in righteousness (Isaiah 32:1) and mankind will no longer be blinded by sin (Isaiah 32:3-4). Though many wrongs will be made right, the Lord specifically mentions that the vile will no longer be called liberal (Isaiah 32:5). How did the Lord know in Isaiah’s day that the label liberal would be inappropriately used to address the vile? Perhaps this was already taking place or the Lord was merely demonstrating His infinite knowledge and prophetic aptitude. Liberals are not Bible corrupters, nor are they politicians holding nonconservative points of view. Quite simply, a liberal is a person who gives generously.
Hypocrisy requires more effort than most people realize. In fact, the level of effort expended by the hypocrite frequently exceeds what would be necessary to simply do right. Unfortunately, man’s sinful heart will frequently choose hypocrisy over genuine righteousness. As an individual chooses to live hypocritically, his practice of hypocrisy becomes more proficient. Young children do not often understand hypocrisy. They innocently speak and do things regardless of how it may negatively impact others. Eventually, these same children, taught by adults, learn how to hide things and pretend to be something that they are not. Eventually, the honest, transparent child grows into a deceptive, hypocritical adult unless the parents consistently direct the child away from this behaviour. How do people avoid this transformation from taking place? The individual must actively and consistently attempt to live a life without deception by allowing God to control his life.
The various dieting trends push for several additional times that man should eat. The Bible clears up any question concerning the number of meals an individual should eat in a single day. Believers should be very careful not to accept the latest trends as though they are the best or even from the Lord. Within scripture, one finds someone partaking of the meal commonly called breakfast (Judges 19:5), at other times, one finds someone partaking of a meal at noon (Genesis 43:16), and at other times, partaking of an evening meal (Luke 24:29-30). In the case of Elijah, the Lord only fed him twice a day (1 Kings 17:6). The most important truth to realize and consider: know that food purposes to give man the necessary strength to fulfil the will of the Lord.
One does not have to read much Bible before finding that God is completely worthy of man’s trust. The Lord preserved Noah and his family from a worldwide flood. God gave Abraham and Sarah a son long after it was thought to be physically possible. The Lord delivered the Israelites from Egypt and led them through a barren wilderness, providing their every need on the way to the land of Canaan. The Lord gave David a great victory when he faced the giant Goliath. God sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world. He brought His Son out of the grave and now hears that Son as He intercedes on behalf of believers. No wonder David said, “they that know thy name will put their trust in thee.”
Modern Christianity has been redefining Bible terminology and fasting is no exception. Perhaps this is because Christians want to look spiritual without the necessary dedication. Some claim to be fasting from certain things like caffeine or sugar intake. The Bible does not offer anyone this type of latitude. True biblical fasting involves much more than refraining from some handpicked pleasure. According to our passage, Paul entreated the people to take meat because they had been fasting for two weeks. Esther 4:16 reveals that fasting consists of taking no food or drink. Although some Bible teachers have suggested that fasting means to simply refrain from earthly joys, fasting in the Bible always includes refraining from food or from both food and drink. Even the results of fasting identify that it is associated with depriving the body of food. In Psalm 109:24, David said, “My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness.” Foregoing earthly pleasures is a byproduct of fasting, not the sole object.
On the surface, one might superficially define peace as an absence of war, troubles, or trials. Yet, the Bible indicates a much broader concept. Two words in our passage suggest as much. The Bible says, “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” The next verse states that God’s “people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Both verses incorporate the words quietness and assurance revealing that peace offers a quiet assurance. Fortunately, this means that peace for the child of God is not contingent upon the circumstances of life. Christians can experience peace even while enduring the worst of circumstances.
