Isaiah 16:5 In love a throne will be established;
in faithfulness a man will sit on it–
one from the house of David–
one who in judging seeks justice
and speeds the cause of righteousness.

It’s very interesting to find such a clearly Messianic prophecy in the context of a passage about Moabite refugees. David’s grandmother was Ruth, a Moabitess, which is a connection, but it is still clear that the Messiah will not be just for the sake of the Jews. The Old Testament actually is loaded with such prophecies, yet even after Jesus’ resurrection the Jewish believers had great difficulty wrapping their minds around the idea. In John 10:16 Jesus said He had “other sheep, which are not of this fold,” but even Peter, who was doubtless present when He said that, had to have a dramatic vision before he could grasp that salvation in Christ was for Gentiles as well. (Acts 10) We are often slow to grasp the breadth and depth, the magnificence, of God’s plan of salvation. From Ephesians and elsewhere in Paul’s writings, my grandfather W. O. Carver referred to it as “the plan of the ages.” In Revelation 13:8 it says that Jesus is the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,” which means that God’s plan was in motion from Creation, which shouldn’t be surprising when we realize that God is outside of time and so truly sees the end from the beginning. Our task is to recognize God’s plan and specifically our part in it, because it is in fulfilling that plan that we will have peace, joy, and satisfaction, and God will have glory.

I have quite a missionary heritage, from a grandfather who has been called “the father of Southern Baptist missions” to parents who were lifetime missionaries, but it ultimately comes down to how well I listen and obey as to my part in God’s plan. He has called me to live and work in Japan, but I must still make the daily, moment-by-moment choice to “make use of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16) He gives me to communicate His grace and love to others. He has given me a gift for words and has been remarkably faithful in speaking through me, but if my actions, my daily living, aren’t in line with what He says through me, I personally have failed. I must remember the justice and righteousness Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, and apply myself that they may be demonstrated in my life.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the magnificent spiritual heritage You have given me, and for the opportunity to pass that on to both physical and spiritual descendants. I ask You to enable me to be effective in that, for their sake and for the sake of those they will impact, in ever-widening circles, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!