Cause and Effect – The Presidential Prayer Team

And the effect of righteousness will be peace. – Isaiah 32:17

The teachings of cause and effect are relevant to all disciplines of learning. In science, independent variables (cause) may be manipulated and the effects measured to learn more about a particular subject. Studying cause and effect is vital in relationships and sociology. Writers learn about cause and effect to build believable and fascinating storylines. In today’s verse, a situation of cause and effect is described, “And the effect of righteousness will be peace.”

This passage in Isaiah prophesies the reign of King Hezekiah. Matthew Henry‘s outline shows Hezekiah’s kingdom included reformation, the Assyrian invasion, and a promise of better times afterward. But as many words of Isaiah the prophet, he is also referring to the Messiah.

Jesus is the believer’s righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He is also his followers’ peace (Ephesians 2:14). At the birth of Christ, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). However, Jesus also said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). Jesus is the Prince of peace to all who believe and His righteousness challenges the tumultuous, unrighteous world. Someday, He will return and make everything right. Echoing King Hezekiah’s reign, there is a reformation of souls in Christ, troublesome times, and the promise of better times when He returns.

Pray for United States citizens and government authorities who are in turmoil to receive Christ as their righteousness and peace. Pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in Jesus to remain faithful through trying times.

Today’s Verse: Isaiah 32:17

And the effect of righteousness will be peace,
    and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 4:1-14

 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ²so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. ³For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. ⁴With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; ⁵but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

⁷The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

¹²Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.