Isaiah 16: 5
When oppression and destruction have ceased and enemy raiders have disappeared, then David’s throne will be established by love. From that throne, a faithful king will reign, one who always does what is just and right.
This is an interesting verse because it shows an important link between two biblical principles, love and righteousness. We have talked about righteousness lately, learning that it means that things are as they should be. Really a good way to think of righteousness is that things are “right.” That is what this verse says about the faithful king, the one who reigns forever. He does things right therefore his throne is established in righteousness.
Of course, this righteous, faithful king is Jesus. He sits on the throne. What I find interesting, especially in that this is an old testament verse, is that the throne is established “by love.” Of all the ideals that Yahweh could have chosen for the founding of the everlasting throne, He chose love. Why not righteousness or justice; why not faith?
I have noticed a change in me. I remember a time when I thought the pastors who preached on love sounded like sissies. Now, I would only follow the teachings of someone who is rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3: 17). I have come to understand that our Father is love (1 John 4: 8).
We spend a lot of energy on a lot of emotions, but much of it is wasted. When we eventually circle back around to love we find peace. I have decided, for myself, that I am only interested in the messages that acknowledge that our Lord is seated on a throne established by love. God isn’t beating people up. He isn’t angry. Some of the preachers who yell judgment and condemnation are the very ones who quote John 3: 16 to us day and night, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” How is it that we miss the key word, the reason God sent his only son? Love.
I don’t, and I don’t think you should, follow teachers who don’t spiritually, practically and theologically set up their abode in the doctrine of love. God established His throne, anchored it and founded it on love. That should be good news for us all. Don’t let anyone lead you down the path to an angry God because that is not Yahweh. We can never establish our destined relationship or find our destiny if we do not first understand that Father is always motivated by and moving by love. It is one thing you need to know about our Father. It is our one pursuit. To know Him is to know love.
