OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 3-5
POETRY: Psalm 106
NEW TESTAMENT: Hebrews 1
How many of you feel like we are living in a backward world today? What we think should be happening doesn’t happen. We see injustices abound. Regardless of your political party or worldview, there is something clearly not right about our current world, something broken.
Think in your mind of one instance that shows this backwardness, this brokenness. It may have to do with the upcoming presidential election, health scares, social problems, or wars and rumors of wars. But, the thing in your mind is indicative to you that the world isn’t as it should be. And, it’s a reason why we wait for the kingdom when everything that is wrong will be made right.
Isaiah is doing something similar in this section of his prophecy. Isaiah 3 details several instances where someone who should be paying honor to someone more deserving instead is receiving honor. This happens in three different ways:
- Isaiah 3:4-5 – “I will make mere youths their officials; children will rule over them. The young will rise up against the old”
- Isaiah 3:6 – “The nobody against the honored.”
- Isaiah 3:12 – “ Women rule over them.”
Now, before these verses start to offend anyone, let’s just think about what they are saying (and be sure to read the full chapter for context). In this time of destruction, there is a genuine lack of leadership. It gets so bad that anyone with a cloak is being grabbed and made the leader of the people (an honor to which that cloak-wearing brother says ‘No thanks’).
As the people bicker and fight with one another and inept leaders try to make something out of the ‘heap of ruins,’ God sits on his throne. The true sovereign leader of the people still reigns, and the destruction is coming because he is issuing judgments from his throne.
He says in Isaiah 5:20, “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.”
God makes proclamations against the people who oppress his people, those who harm the poor, and the proud. After his judgments are passed, he gives a hopeful picture of the ‘branch that will be beautiful and glorious’ that will be left for those who are still faithful to him. The sins are washed away and fortunes are restored. Israel is brought back to life.
We often look to our earthly leaders to make this current world right. We know that there is brokenness in the world, so we are quick to grab anyone who seems like a remotely good fit for a leader and put them in power. Meanwhile, there are plenty of power-hungry leaders around, who pass laws and oppress people. Who perpetuates injustice. People who should not be in charge and yet they are.
What should we do in this backward world?
Well, we can rest in the truth that the true leader of the world is not one that we elect or put in charge. The true leader of the world is God. He is reigning now, and he will also put everything that is wrong to right in the future age when the kingdom is brought to Earth.
So the next time you feel afraid or lost, you can trust in God. He is the one who is really in charge, and he is the perfect leader.
-Cayce Fletcher
Cayce Fletcher is a teacher-turned-SAHM mom of two. She blogs and podcasts at A More Beautiful Life Collective where she focuses on how you can create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. Currently, she is working through a systematic theology series on her podcast. You can find her latest post on Bibliology here.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is the significance of the child being the leader? Do you think the child is the leader of our current society?
- What is the danger of being haughty or prideful? Why would this be something God would punish?
- Reread Isaiah 5:20. How have you seen people call evil good and good evil? How can you guard against doing this yourself?
Seek Grow Love 