BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO DOES WHAT IS RIGHT

Proclamation:

"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.  Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.’" Isaiah 56:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Prophet Isaiah under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  After inviting the people to become suffering servants and heirs to abundant life, Isaiah tells them to do what is right.  He tells them that The Lord says blessed is the man maintains justice, does what is right, keeps the Sabbath, and keeps from doing evil.

Application:
We are to do what is right and honor The Lord on His day and every day of the week.  Blessed are the Jews and Gentiles (Isaiah 55:6 & 56:3) who are willing to love, serve, and obey The Lord, keep the Sabbath, and turn away from evil.  According to the English Study Bible (ESV), keeping the Sabbath is a covenant sign that represents a lifestyle of devotion to The Lord.  True observance of the Sabbath entails not only refraining from work but also refraining from doing any evil.  Every Sunday we should rededicate ourselves to The Lord and renew our commitment to love Him more and serve Him better.  Blessed is the man who does this.  Knowing that which is right is not enough, we must also do right.  Part of our daily prayer should be that God will help us to recognize and do the right thing.