A New Nobility

Isaiah 32:8 He who is noble plans noble things and on noble things he stands.

When was the last time you used the word “noble” to describe someone or something? It’s a word that conjures up images of kings, queens and knights. Nobility along with chivalry seem to be archaic ideas. Is anyone truly noble or chivalrous any more? Lords and ladies, fair maidens and knights in shining armor… I know that we tend to romanticize the past, but romantic ideas can move us to change things for the better.

Isaiah is writing words of prophecy against all those who are not noble. He is proclaiming the wrath of God on all those who devise evil schemes, who plot and plan to exploit the poor and out cast. He also proclaims that a king is coming who will reign and rule in righteousness and justice. Justice and righteousness, these are noble things. This is the King who is coming.

Whether you read these words of Isaiah as prophecy about an earthly ruler or if you read them about Jesus, the fact is that God stands for justice and righteousness. The one who plans noble things and stands on noble things stands with God. The chivalrous knights of old stood with God. The noble ones of days past stood with God.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. Philippians 2:13. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20. The truly noble live because Christ lives in them. The chivalrous work according to the plans that God has laid out for them. He who is noble plans noble things and on noble things he stands. Isaiah 32:8

May you know that the Holy Spirit lives in you. Your breast plate of righteousness comes from God Himself. He gives you the armor that any knight would be proud to wear, through His Son Jesus. In your baptism, you were knighted and given the mission to go and proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all people. So do noble things, plan noble things and stand upon the most noble thing of all, the Word of God.

Heavenly Father, enliven our hearts to plan and do noble things, all to your glory. Amen.