I remember the heavy plumb bob that my dad had as a surveyor. It’s conical, made of metal, steel or brass attached to a line or cord. The weight of the plumb bob would cause the cord to hang very straight so the surveyor could identify a vertical space perpendicular to the earth or a specific point in space.
God also has a plumb line.
But the Master, God, has something to say to this: “Watch closely. I’m laying a foundation in Zion, a solid granite foundation, squared and true. And this is the meaning of the stone: a trusting life won’t topple. I’ll make justice the measuring stick and righteousness the plumb line for the building.
Isaiah 28:16-17 MSG
Laying a Foundation
Isaiah is prophesying a coming judgment in Israel’s history that also speaks to the coming of the Messiah.
- God, Himself, is laying the foundation–
- The stone is tested – it is trustworthy and true–
- It’s precious – unique, none other like it–
- The foundation is faithful, sure, unchangeable–
A Trusting Life Won’t Topple
I love Eugene Peterson’s version of the last half of Isaiah 28:16. When our lives are built on the Rock, we cannot, will not topple – such an awesome word picture. Translators use a variety of words to translate that phrase –
- Whoever believes will not be in haste (ESV)
- The one who believes will be unshakable (CSB)
- He who believes will not be disturbed or give way (AMP)
- The one who maintains his faith will not panic. (NET)
- Whoever believes need never be shaken. (NLT)
- Whoever trusts in it will never be disgraced. (VOICE)
- The one who believes in it will not be disturbed. (NASB)
Measuring with Justice & Righteousness
Many of us have been reflecting on our lives, taking stock, so to speak, or measuring our past year. What’s your measuring stick? Maybe it’s looking at the balances in your financial folder, or the bathroom scale, or your stats in Goodreads.
Isaiah writes using an architectural or engineering analogy. The measuring line or plumb line are used in building to make sure the stones are aligned, the chimney sitting straight on a roof top, or the walls of rooms squared.
When God measures what is straight and true, He uses justice and righteousness. Both of these, justice and righteousness, are essential to God’s character, and woven all throughout scripture. For some scholars these two words are inseparable, not meant to be defined separately, but instead representing one concept: the doing right by people through acts of justice.
“Lower classes are not only disproportionately vulnerable to injustice but are disproportionately actual victims of injustice. In human history, injustice is not equally distributed.”
Nicholas Wolterstorff, Justice: Rights and Wrongs
So as we are in “reflection mode,” our past year, and what might be on the horizon for the new year, the scripture says we should take stock of our relationships to one another, and our care for the marginalized, poor, lonely, and needy.
How do you measure doing right with acts of justice in your life? Here are just a few questions to consider:
- In what ways do we share our wealth, talents, and resources with those less fortunate than we are?
- How might we befriend one, two, or three people this year who live outside of our comfort zone?
- Where do we see God at work in our lives to be more aware and/or to care more for the marginalized in our society?
Prayer
Father, You who loves justice
Who has established equity and
Does only what is just and right,
Teach us to love mercy,
To act justly,
Loving our neighbors as You have loved us
So that in keeping Your commands
Our lives are transformed, wholly Yours,
Growing in holiness, reflecting more and more
The wondrous love of our Savior
In whose name we pray –
Amen.
If you want to think about this topic of justice a bit more, you might find the Bible Project podcasts helpful. Tim Mackey and Jon Collins explore the meaning of Biblical justice, Jesus and His mission of justice, and the connection between social justice and righteousness here.
