Isaiah 54:17 – “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.”  NKJV

Recently during a time of prayer contemplating some issues that I am facing, this verse came to mind.  As I mused on it that inner voice inside my heart and head said “CONTEXT.”  I thought about that and again that voice said, “CONTEXT.”  That caused me to pause and consider the passage as completely as I could and once again I heard “CONTEXT.”   It was at that point that I sensed there were three things I needed to consider:

• CONTEXT of the Passage.
• CONTEXT of Application.
• CONTEXT of Appropriation.

While it might take a book or two to attempt to fully cover the context of the passage it appears to be speaking with the view of Chapter 53 in mind where we were told of the coming Messiah and His ministry.  Therefore, if we view this passage in light of the Redeemed it has a relevance to any generation and that includes us in 2015.  It has an application to the nation of Israel but it is my contention (argument) that it applies to ‘the servants of the LORD’ of all times and peoples.  If it can thusly be viewed then it is a promise to you and me for today and one that we should carefully consider.

The application of the passage contextually must cover the words “No, Weapon, Tongue and Judgment”.  We must also consider to whom it is addressed – “Servants of the LORD.”  It is speaking to and of people who belong to God through the process of redemption and by inference walking in His righteousness.  It is considered by the Most High our Heritage and is a part of our Covenant Promise in Christ Jesus.  Therefore, it applies to whatever we face, whenever we face it and from whatever source the attack comes.  It is incredibly broad in its application.

The appropriation is a bit more difficult for one must ask is this addressing an attack against us regardless of our actions!  Simply, if we brought about the attack by our sin, wrong or bad judgment can we claim this promise and appropriate it into our circumstances?  If we are wrong can we expect to use God as a defense or shield against the enemy.  Remember the Bible says a ‘curse without a cause does not come.’ (Proverbs 26:2)  The indication it is to be appropriated by those who are both servants of the LORD and walking in righteousness or manifesting Him in our lives, actions, words and deeds.  It is there that we can readily and expectantly appropriate this promise and expect God to become our SWORD and SHIELD.  It is here that we can confess and profess that NO WEAPON formed against us can prosper and EVERY TONGUE that rises against us in judgment we can condemn.  God can and will destroy the plans of the wicked against His people as we stand in righteousness and truth.

I would never want to suggest that God is our genie or candy store for if we are corrupt in our actions, hearts, deeds or words expecting God to automatically come to our defense would be an insult to His Holiness.  This is a POWERFUL PROMISE but not a blanket defense against all things with no consideration for our hearts or lives and personal responsibility or accountability.  That being said, if one is walking in God’s Righteousness, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness we can and should expect and stand on this Promise.  God is watching over His word to perform it and it will NEVER return to Him void.

May He be with you and bless you as you go through this day!