Isaiah 28-30
Original Post:  July 29, 2012

As we continue to hear of the impending judgment that is coming upon Israel, we may say to ourselves "when are we going to read something interesting?  Why do we have to read about judgment of Israel and the coming of the Assyrian king day after day?"    The answer is very plain once you think about it:  God is about to do something that He really is reluctant to do.  He knows the pain and suffering that will be inflicted upon His nation.   This constant repetition is the historical evidence that Isaiah and his contemporaries spoke again and again, warning the people to repent.    They did not sound the alarm only one time, when no one was listening, but rather many times, and in popular places.

Today we see that the people rejected the warning intentionally.  Chapter 30:10-11 reveals the hardened heart of the people.

The lLord's charge against them (there are several) is found in 29:13.   The people say they love Him, but their lives don't line up.  This is enormously significant.   The modern equivalent would be a people who attend church (or at least profess to be christians) who give God credit for creating the earth, who may even tell others how wonderful God is....but don't obey His commands.     For instance, they may take his name in vain, not honor his day as holy, accept pagan practices such as abortion and same sex marriage.   Their priests may be just as bad as they are,  in their drunken (figurative) stupor, they offer confused advice about how homosexuality is acceptable, and evolution is not in conflict with the Bible.

This should send a shiver down the spine of every believer.  Those who foster a genuine relationship with the living God should rightfully wince as they look at society today.   Arrogance and informed non-compliance to biblical standards has become the norm.   To speak the very words of Scripture is considered hate speech.   The days are dark indeed.    And yet, the stock market climbs, the jobs report returns pleasant results, the military flexes it's muscle in new and fearsome ways.   Ungodly people (some of whom are very popular) say "tell us no more of what the Bible teaches"  and the masses applaud.

Don't be deceived.     God is aware of everything that is going on, and has warned us, and other nations just like us time and time again.    Unless we repent, and obey our fate will be just like those who have come before.

On the more pleasant side of the picture:   Isn't it wonderful that God gives so many warnings, and even in His wrath He tells the people that one day they will be accepted again?    I am so glad that I serve a God of second chances.    My prayer for our nation is that we will repent and turn from our ungodly practices and seek God's face earnestly again.  

PR