Thousands of years ago, a future forecast was made, pointing to our time. Isaiah described the coming of a righteous King in His true humanity—the Messiah—who will be the ideal governmental leader. 

What kind of influence and authority does an ideal leader have? The following words seem to only apply to the Messiah. Yet under His kingship, this description is also true of honest, just leaders. This Scripture has become my prayer for the Church and for our country. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm. Each one will be like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land. Then everyone who has eyes to see will see the truth, and everyone who has ears to hear will hear it (see Isaiah 32:1-3).

All societies desire justice, moral sensitivity, and honorable character in their leaders. If the Ekklesia (the Church) is to have such an influence, we are required to choose between complacency and true security and happiness. 

Down through history, most religious and political leaders have not been about protecting society. And the people who are ruled lacked perception by allowing such deficient leaders. Isaiah addresses this issue that afflicts every generation, saying: Those who cause trouble with their speech, especially by opposing God and misleading others about Him, are judged as evil. Those who live loosely, carelessly, and unconcerned about what they ought to do are amoral. They are called fools. Those who work only for self-interest, with plans to get their way at all costs, including by manipulating the legal system, cannot be respected. They are scoundrels who deceive, scheme, and plot treachery to cheat the poor (see vs. 5-8).

The Good News? The curse is removed, and sin’s damage reversed. The Perfect One, the Messiah, came with justice and with all that was right and good. As the Commander of Peace, He deals with the authority of chaos—and marks us with His reign of peace. We are in training to do the same. 

Listen to His word (see Isaiah 32:16-18): Under His divine blessings, the earth transforms into a place of plenty and security. The fruit of righteousness—all that is good and right as defined by Him—is peace, quietness, and confidence.