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In one of the Bible studies I lead, we are studying the book of Isaiah. In many ways this book is the Bible in miniature. As there are 66 books to the Bible, so there are 66 chapters to Isaiah. Messianic themes are prevalent throughout the book and some of the most important prophecies about Messiah are found here (e.g., the virgin birth of Isaiah 7 and the suffering servant of chapter 53).
But I draw your attention to the penetrating and pithy review of Judah’s leadership shortly before the Babylonian conquest of 605 to 586 BC. In Isaiah 5:20-23, we read these convicting words:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe but deny justice to the innocent.”
As I study these verses, it seems as if these verses are describing our leaders and our culture. What an indictment of America! As God judged Judah for its sins, it is difficult to believe that God has not already begun judging our nation. But as the book of Isaiah reminds us, our hope and our future rest with God and His redemptive plans. So, at the Christmas season, our minds quickly turn to another chapter in Isaiah—one filled with the hope of the Messiah—Chapter 9:6-7:
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”
Amen and Amen!! |
