How might a man make a difference? To answer such we find Isaiah 32:1-8 offering a prophetic portrait of the Eternal King, Jesus, who makes all things new. Jesus is always our standard. Though relevant for every human being, while skimming those verses one discerns a handful of values a man can live out in his life. Imagine how they can change you.
Six Ways a Man Makes a Difference
A man marks what is around him with righteousness and justice
Isaiah 32:1 declares: “Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.” Looking further in, Isaiah 32:5-7 suggests this commitment to justice means a man will right wrongs, confront evil, and challenge ungodliness. One great effect is that the “fool will no more be called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be honorable” (Isaiah 32:5).
A man thrives in community, not isolation
The reference to “princes” in Isaiah 32:1 highlights the community engagement of a man. There are others with him. He is not alone. He must not be. Too many men stand in isolation, but the world Jesus envisions has us united together as a family, walking together as part of a great movement. Together we must become one.
A man makes all around him safe–whomever they might be
Isaiah 32:2 tells us our Eternal King, Jesus, and those with him, the “princes,” will “be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm.” Men are committed, as they see in Jesus, to creating safe spaces and being a safe presence to all who cross their paths.
A man satisfies and blesses those around him
They do not just provide safety. Isaiah 32:2 tells us Jesus and the princes with him will be like “streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.” Later, Jesus says of himself, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me” (John 7:37, NLT). It is his joy to bless the weary and parched. No small wonder the Apostle Paul offers in Ephesians 5:29 that a godly man “nourishes and cherishes” those around him.
A man empowers others to thrive
“Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will give attention. The heart of the hasty will understand and know, and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly” (Isaiah 32:3-4). Jesus and those with him help others flourish. They help others achieve new levels of potential. A man after the heart of Jesus lifts others up and never lords himself over them.
A man cultivates a generous and noble soul
Isaiah 32:8 says that “he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.” The Hebrew word for noble (נָדַב), suggests being willing, generous, and princely. This is the way of a man. Because this is so, all around him are blessed. A man is intentional, generous, other-centered, and life-giving in all he does. Such relates to his money, his time, his talents, his very presence.
A Call to Action
How might a man make a difference? These six values must shape the soul of every man. Take some time. Think about them. Ask yourself how you might allow these six values to work themselves out in your own life. Who will be impacted? When? How?
And remember that every good and perfect gift comes from King Jesus. He will help anyone rise to these six values. After all, he has told us, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).