“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news”

Isaiah 42 1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

Abraham - Isaac-Jacob (Esau) - 12 sons (Joseph) Jerusalem Slavery in Egypt Moses Promised land Joshua Judges -(Gideon etc.) Samuel - Saul - David - Solomon Israel -(Amos Hosea) Judah 1900 BC Jesus BC Fall 606 Exile to Babylon Isaiah

Isaiah Writing to the rebellious Writing to those have suffered for their rebellion Comforting with words of... Hope, salvation and redemption Explanation, warning and rebuke Future Saviour

Rebellion Rebuked – Future Hope – Humility required - Calling - Forgetting but not forgotten Rebellion Rebuked – Future Hope – Humility required - Calling - Forgetting but not forgotten “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news”

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed... Isaiah 61 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice... Isaiah For the LORD is a God of justice.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? “The impartial implementation of the rules” Not cheating But the rules can be unjust Isaiah 10 1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? “The impartial implementation of the rules of God” Not cheating But the rules can be unjust Isaiah 10 1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. (forced into difficulty by another)

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed Isaiah 10 1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. (forced into difficulty by another)

Love cannot be practised without justice. Love cannot be built on injustice, for injustice is lovelessness. Love is not an alternative to justice. Justice is the beginning of love. Justice is the beginning of love. Tissa Balauriya Love cannot be practised without justice. Love cannot be built on injustice, for injustice is lovelessness. Love is not an alternative to justice. Justice is the beginning of love. Justice is the beginning of love. Tissa Balauriya

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another)

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. The vulnerable should be looked after

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Isaiah 10 1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, 2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Isaiah 58 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. Share with those who have less “The hungry need bread and the homeless need a roof; the dispossessed need justice and the lonely need fellowship; the undisciplined need order and the slaves need freedom. To allow the hungry to remain hungry would be blasphemy against God and one’s neighbour, for what is nearest to God is precisely the need of one’s neighbour.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer “The hungry need bread and the homeless need a roof; the dispossessed need justice and the lonely need fellowship; the undisciplined need order and the slaves need freedom. To allow the hungry to remain hungry would be blasphemy against God and one’s neighbour, for what is nearest to God is precisely the need of one’s neighbour.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Isaiah So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Isaiah 42 1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? Nobody should be oppressed (forced into difficulty by another) The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Isaiah 61 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Prevention Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Prevention Anger is not the opposite of love; often it is love's clearest expression. How can we love people and stand by while they are wounded and exploited by selfish (people)...One of the most lamentable weaknesses of our generation lies in the luke-warmness of its love--the feebleness of its protests growing out of its luke-warmness. Monstrous evils thrive right under our noses, become entrenched in politics and custom, grow brazenly insolent to every plea for decency and justice because we who are Christians do not speak. Dr. J. Wallace Hamilton Ride The Wild Horses Anger is not the opposite of love; often it is love's clearest expression. How can we love people and stand by while they are wounded and exploited by selfish (people)...One of the most lamentable weaknesses of our generation lies in the luke-warmness of its love--the feebleness of its protests growing out of its luke-warmness. Monstrous evils thrive right under our noses, become entrenched in politics and custom, grow brazenly insolent to every plea for decency and justice because we who are Christians do not speak. Dr. J. Wallace Hamilton Ride The Wild Horses

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Restitution Prevention Isaiah 58 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Punishment/reward Restitution Prevention Isaiah 11 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD - 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Punishment/reward Restitution Prevention Isaiah 58 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “ If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun–scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well– watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age–old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed “For I, the LORD, love justice For the LORD is a God of justice. What is Justice? The impartial implementation of the rules of God What are the rules of God? How are the rules of God to be implemented? Intolerance of hurting (sin) Punishment/reward Restitution Prevention Isaiah 61 8 “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Delivered by Jesus Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Isaiah 9 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Isaiah 11 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD - 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Isaiah He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Isaiah 42 1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Isaiah In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 1 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 56 1 This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun–scorched land and will strengthen your frame.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Nobody should be forced into difficulty by another The vulnerable should be looked after Share with those who have less Honesty and Gentleness Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Isaiah 58 You will be like a well–watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age–old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Is being forced into difficulty Is vulnerable Has less Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Who... Do we know? Do we work with? Do we hear of?

The Comfort of God - He demands Justice The Justice of God Delivered by Jesus Expected of the followers of Jesus Who... Can we help? Defend? Speak for?