In His Righteousness, We Never Flee

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Isaiah 28: 1)

Why do the wicked flee when no one is running after them?

Because of a seared conscience, because of their sin.

When Adam and Eve sinned, the first thing they did was. . .hide:

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3: 8)

and also

"There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked." (Isaiah 48: 22)

Even though the first man and woman had clothed themselves to hide their nakedness (really, their shame from being separate from God), they were still in sin, they were separated from God.

God was not looking for sin, and He was not going to punish them or kill them, yet they ran away.

So too, man is running away, trying to flee from sin and shame.

How do we stop running? Not from trying to justify ourselves, as Adam and Eve attempted, but in receiving God's righteousness, which God gives to us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus!

"And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness." (Isaiah 16: 5)

Then

"In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee." (Isaiah 54: 14)

This love comes from God through His Son:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting." (John 3: 16)

Because of Jesus, we are seated as kings and priests (1 Peter 2: 9) in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6):

"For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." (Romans 5: 17)

This gift of righteousness grants us boldness to come before God:

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4: 16)

The writer of Hebrews presents this truth in the context of receiving righteousness as  a gift instead of earning it through our works.

Because of this righteousness, we can trust that no weapon formed against us will prosper:

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54: 17)

Because of His righteousness, we receive His grace, and through His grace we are strengthened we people attack us:

"9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10)

Because of the righteousness of God, we do not fear shame or reproach, or God's disapproval, we know that we can come to Him boldly, and we overcome all attacks from the Enemy and enemies in our midst.