'No weapon formed against you shall prosper,

.... and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the LORD (Isaiah 54:17). The concept of God's provision and protection has come up several times over the past few days, and this morning's verse is just one more example of the same. The benefits in this morning's verse are the heritage, the birthright if you like, of the the Lord's servant. A servant of the Lord is one who does everything in thought, word and deed for his master. In another part of this morning's daily readings, Paul talks about servants and how they should serve “not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6). In other words a servant of the Lord is not about the outward appearance, wearing masks to look good. This is what the Pharisees did, and they had their reward (the praise of men) (Matthew 23:5).

What I am saying here, is that I cannot live for myself and expect to be able to claim the benefits these verses speak of as mine. It's not that we earn His provision and protection, and it's not about being saved. In particular “their righteousness is from Me!” No, rather He is describing the nature of reality He created, and the principles that govern it. The Kingdom is here but not yet fully, and we are to contend in the here and now for things that find their completion only in eternity. Nevertheless, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). This verse is followed by the instruction to wait on Him and be of good courage. The Amplified Bible translates this first part as “Wait and hope for and expect” (verse 14).

We need to know that the Lord is in control, for He created the one who create the weapons (verse 16). In particular in the end they will not be successful. Part of what we are being told here, is that we are not striving for victory we operate from victory already accomplished! The language is the language of the law courts. Accordingly other translations have “you will refute every tongue that accuses you” (NIV). King David puts it this way “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:6). In other words our vindication will be seen by all.

In this same psalm we are instructed in how we are to conduct ourselves in order to bring this about. Three times we are told not to fret (verses 1, 7, 8); we are to delight ourselves in the Lord; we are to commit our way to Him; we are to Trust in the LORD, and do good; we are to dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness; we are to cease from anger and forsake wrath; we are to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. He then promises that He will accomplish it all for us (verses 1-8).

Father, thank You for Your careful care, provision and protection. Help us to trust and serve you. Let our hope and confidence be in You, as we wait in hope for the fulfillment of Your promises and purposes. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen