No fear of God

Isaiah 1:21-31

There was no fear of God in Judah or Jerusalem in the time Isaiah was prophesying.  How does that relate to our nation and the city you live in?  The following are the words of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah; “Now the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice!  Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers.” (Isaiah 1:21, ESV)  A faithful people have chosen to run to little gods, and God who is jealous calls them whores and murderers.  Many years later in the life and times of Jeremiah, he prophesies in Jerusalem an addressed the same issues.  If you need more insight turn to Jeremiah chapter 20, and see what these people have changed their glory for, what two evils have taken God’s place, and once more God addresses them as whores in verse 20.

I’ve always believed that a word to the wise is sufficient, so ponder on Isaiah 1:22-23, for their silver has become dross, do you understand what God is saying, what they value and what their economy is based on is something regarded as worthless; rubbish.  And the best wine is watered down and has no taste or value; their leaders are rebels and companions of thieves.  This is not todays news, but it sure could be, and God is not through with everyone who loves bribes and runs after free stuff, or gifts.  They did not bring justice to the fatherless or the widows, and this reminds me of one of my dad’s quotes; “the only thing we learn from history is nothing, for if we did it would not be repeated.”

So listen to what God is saying in verse 24, “Therefore the Lord declares, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: “Ah, I will get relief from my enemies and avenge myself on my foes.”  It is of the utmost importance that you understand God has not surprised them with this judgment, He has sent the prophets and judges and the people did not listen, if only they had the heart of king David in Psalm 51:3-4, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”

We should take note that the guilty did not get a pass, they faced judgment, and the judgment is not just corrective or penal, but it also purifies.  They began “a faithful city and after cleansing, they will again be a Faithful City.” (Quote from HCSB page 1129)  Verse 28 declares that both rebels and sinners will be destroyed and those who abandon the Lord will perish.  But as we look at verse 29, we see a picture of regret for the worship of sacred trees and the gardens you have chosen.  I looked in my study Bible and found this statement; “One common form of this false worship involved sacred trees that were probably connected with worship of a Canaanite fertility goddess called Asherah, the mother of Baal.” (HCSB page 1130)  In verse 30, the people of the promise saw themselves as a mighty oak, but God said your oak is not going to be watered and it will become tinder, and therefore quickly burn when set on fire.

My prayer is that we the Church are not full of pride and see ourselves like the mighty oak.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice