Isaiah sure missed a perfect chance to land this plane. That’s what you may be thinking as we begin a new chapter of his book. After all those stirring promises, a gracious invitation, and even a climactic benediction at the end, why not wrap things up after the wonderful sermon of Isaiah 55? For the same reason that Ephesians 2:10 follows those more famous verses of Ephesians 2:8-9. While it is indeed true that we are not saved by good works, it’s also true that we are saved for good works. Our righteousness earns us no favor at all with God, but once converted to Christ, righteousness will emerge in our lives as proof positive that we have received His grace by faith. The very first verse of Isaiah 56 makes this point, summarizing all that has gone before, and setting the tone for the book’s concluding section. “Keep justice, and do righteousness...” That was the message of chapters 1-39: act in ways that are in accordance with God’s law. “...For soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.” That was the message of chapters 40-55: God will deliver His people in spite of their failure to keep His law. This is good news, but it could lead to a serious misunderstanding. Since righteousness is basically impossible for us, and God graciously places us in a position of righteousness through His Servant (Jesus), do we really need to care about the righteous living Isaiah called us to in the first half of the book? Absolutely! More than an unrealistic ideal, this righteousness is now expected of those whom God has saved. By the power of His Spirit and the promises He has made for our future, we find the necessary power and motivation. But we can only do righteousness because God has declared us righteous in His Son. The righteousness the prophet speaks of is not some kind of legalistic moralism. Rather, it is the outward expression of our trust and rest and delight in God. And so, Sabbath-keeping is mentioned first. The Sabbath is not meant for complete inactivity, but for the active pursuit of righteousness. It’s our weekly dress rehearsal for heaven, celebrating God’s perfectly created order, which He will renew at the end of time (v 2; see 66:22-23). The Jews may have wrongly assumed that their pedigree made them free to live however they wanted. But those who were not part of Abrahams’ lineage, and those who could not pass on that line, were more pleasing to God than the Israelites who were ignoring His covenant. So all nations will be drawn into God’s house of prayer, loving His name and choosing His ways (v 3-8), while Israel’s sleepy leaders care only for themselves (v 9-12). For further meditation: