When they do, listen to them from heaven. Take action. Judge between the person and their neighbor. Punish the guilty one. Do to that person what they have done to their neighbor. Deal with the one who isn’t guilty in a way that shows they are free from blame. That will prove they aren’t guilty.
Godly people will be full of joy because of what the Lord has done. They will go to him for safety. All those whose hearts are honest will be proud of what he has done.
At that time the Lord who rules over all will be like a glorious crown. He will be like a beautiful wreath for those of his people who will be left alive.
You will toss them in the air. A strong wind will catch them and blow them away. You will be glad because I will make that happen. You will praise me. I am the Holy One of Israel.
I have not spoken in secret. I have not spoken from a dark place. I have not said to Jacob’s people, ‘It is useless to look for me.’ I am the Lord. I always speak the truth. I always say what is right.
They will say, ‘The Lord is the only one who can save us. Only he can make us strong.’ ” All those who have been angry with the Lord will come to him. And they will be put to shame.
He is near. He will prove I haven’t done anything wrong. So who will bring charges against me? Let’s face each other in court! Who can bring charges against me? Let him come and face me!
After he has suffered, he will see the light of life. And he will be satisfied. My godly servant will make many people godly because of what he will accomplish. He will be punished for their sins.
You will not need the light of the sun by day anymore. The bright light of the moon will no longer have to shine on you. I will be your light forever. My glory will shine on you. I am the Lord your God.
Then all your people will do what is right. The land will belong to them forever. They will be like a young tree I have planted. My hands have created them. They will show how glorious I am.
Their children after them will be famous among the nations. Their families will be praised by people everywhere. All those who see them will agree that I have blessed them.”
Their work will not be worthless anymore. They will not have children who are sure to face sudden terror. Instead, I will bless them. I will also bless their children after them.
I will give children to the families of Jacob and Judah. They will possess my entire land. My chosen people will be given all of it. Those who serve me will live there.
Make all your promises in my name. When you promise say, ‘You can be sure that the Lord is alive.’ Be truthful, fair and honest when you make these promises. Then the nations will ask for blessings from me. And they will boast about me.”
The promise is based on God’s grace. The promise comes by faith. All of Abraham’s children will certainly receive the promise. And it is not only for those who are ruled by the law. Those who have the same faith that Abraham had are also included. He is the father of us all.
And those God has planned for, he has also appointed to be saved. Those he has appointed, he has made right with himself. To those he has made right with himself, he has given his glory.
Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of this was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was also done by the Spirit of our God.
I never want to brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through that cross the ways of the world have been crucified as far as I am concerned. And I have been crucified as far as the ways of the world are concerned.
But we have been truly circumcised. We serve God by the power of his Spirit. We boast about what Christ Jesus has done. We don’t put our trust in who we are or what we can do.