# 45 2024 Dev. Isa.3.1. Disturbing News! “Read all of chapter three first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s Story. Do you believe that this may also be part of our story, in our time? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Isa.V1 “See now, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water…”
Isaiah 3 continues the vision of chapter 2, the encouragement of the “Mountain of the Lord”, the vision of the future Church in the last days that began with Jesus’ birth. We are in the last days now, we have seen and experienced the Church of Christ. But the day of the Lord is coming. The faithful do not fear that day, we pray for its coming. “Come quickly Lord Jesus!”
Vs.1-7 This ch. seems to be a big let down by the judgment on Jerusalem and Judah. There appears to be a complete breakdown of society, whether this is the result of war, or the result of sin taking over with no accountability. In any case, peace, harmony, diligence and commerce all seem to have disappeared among them.
Vs.8-9 Gives us some answer, “their words and deeds are against the Lord… they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it.” This is starting to sound familiar to us in this country. What has happened to godliness, where are the impartial judges, where is the accountability that holds down evil, where is basic decency, modesty and propriety? This is the result of kicking God out of schools, out of society, out of politics and out of our lives.
Vs.10-12 “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.” This speaks to the future, which is reassuring, but while all this is happening they suffer as well. The prophet goes on; “My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.” Don’t we know it! But it falls on deaf ears today!
Vs.13-15 “The Lord takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people.” He judges the leaders, “It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.” That is the way it is today as well. How do our leaders get so rich?
Vs.16-23 “The women of Zion are haughty…” the Lord condemns their alluring ways… “In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery…” Where is the woman of Proverbs 31:10-31? “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” I trust there still are such women today and faithful men as well.
Vs.24-26 paints a disturbing picture. This is in fact what happened to them, and it could happen to us. The leaders, the elite, the proud and arrogant, paid dearly for their disobedience. If we do not change direction in this land vs.16-26 is heading our way. We thank God that here we also are told: “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.” Thanks be to God!
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