Weal and Woe
Preacher: Tim Jenkins
Passage: Isaiah 45:1–7
Series: Work
In Isaiah, we see God using Cyrus, a Persian king, to accomplish his purposes for Israel. This is a reminder that God’s plans unfold even through flawed institutions, empires, and leaders. He brings both weal and woe, shaping history and working through human systems—even when those systems are broken.
This truth challenges us when we engage with the world around us. Businesses, governments, and institutions are not inherently godly or wicked; they are tools that can be used for good or harm. Like the Babylonian and Persian empires, they have the power to oppress and to restore. As Christians, we are called to be discerning participants in these systems, recognizing both their benefits and their flaws.
But ultimately, no institution—whether political, corporate, or social—can provide the fullness of justice, peace, and righteousness that only God’s kingdom brings. Our hope is not in human structures, but in the God who works through them. And one day, he will make all things new.
Reflection Questions
How do you see God at work in the institutions and systems that shape your daily life?
Where do you struggle with the tension between the good and harm that businesses and governments can create?
How can you faithfully engage with the world while keeping your ultimate hope in God’s kingdom?
What role might God be calling you to play in bringing justice, mercy, and righteousness in your workplace or community?
How does trusting in God’s sovereignty help you navigate a world of imperfect institutions?
