Marks of the Righteous

When the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ and his kingdom, he outlined what Christ's true ministers would be like. In doing so, he defined our ministry in these last days when he said, "I want you to know the marks of the true people of God, those who will be ministering just before the Prince of Peace comes to reign."

The prophet begins with these words: "Behold, a king will reign in righteousness" (Isaiah 32:1). Then he adds, "A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (32:2).

Clearly, Isaiah is talking about Jesus here, and he goes on to tell us that a true servant of God will proclaim the all-sufficiency of Christ. Indeed, such a believer shuts himself in with Jesus, trusting his Lord to make his soul a well-watered garden. He lives in quiet confidence, his spirit at rest and full of peace. And he testifies, "I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love" (Song of Solomon 2:3-4).

Isaiah points out two distinguishing marks of the righteous servant: he has discernment and he knows the voice of God distinctly: "The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen" (Isaiah 32:3).

When Christ first saw Nathaniel coming toward him, he cried, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47). In other words, "Look, brothers, here comes a man who is not a hypocrite. There is no immorality or deceit in him. He's a clean vessel."

Then Jesus turned to Nathaniel and said, "Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man" (1:51). He was saying, "God is going to open up to you continuing revelations."

Beloved, God makes this same covenant with you and every believer whose life is above reproach, with no hidden sin or dark secrets. Such a servant receives a continuous flow of the revelation of Christ's glory. Determine in your heart today to pursue God with your whole heart so that you may continue to hear his voice.