WEDNESDAY'S WORD - STANDARD - 02/19/2020 Sadell Bradley

 

   

"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God." - George Washington

 

When you say the word STANDARD you could be referring to any of a number of things: a required or agreed to level or quality of attainment used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations; principles of conduct informed by notions of honor and decency; the weight or value of gold, silver, or currency; a song of published popularity; or a military or ceremonial flag carried on a pole. Generally, the word standard is a descriptor of how we view ourselves or treat each other. We say, "I have high standards," when we will not settle for less than an excellent outcome. Or "You are using a double standard," when inequity or injustice is at play.

 

In warfare, 'to raise one's standard,' meant to take up arms and oppose - and lifting a military flag was a rallying cry. Isaiah 59 depicts the LORD our Warrior engaging His enemies. Isaiah illustrates the result of sin, wickedness, darkness, and turning away from the LORD, "It is your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore." (vs. 2, NLT)  The prophet goes on to discuss the murderous, unjust, deceitful, and corrupt way in which people are living, "Their feet run to do evil, and they rush to commit murder. They think only about sinning. Misery and destruction always follow them. They don't know where to find peace or what it means to be just and good. They have mapped out crooked roads, and no one who follows them knows a moment's peace." (vs. 7-8)

 

The result of sin is injustice. Truth has fallen in the streets and honesty has been outlawed. "Yes truth is gone and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD was displeased that there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So He Himself stepped in to save them with His strong arm, and His justice sustained Him... He will repay His enemies for their evil deeds. " (vs. 15-16;18)  

 

Isaiah proclaims, "So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the West, And His

glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him." (vs. 19) This power is portrayed as a raging tide that the breath of the LORD drives over His enemies. Sometimes the wickedness around us is nothing short of overwhelming. I'm glad that our God is the Captain of the Hosts of Angel Armies, that He is with us, and fights for us!