ISAIAH
Chapter 3:8-15



Isaiah 3:8-15

quote:

"Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. 9 The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. 10 Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done. 12 Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path. 13 The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people. 14 The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: 'It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?' declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty."

Jerusalem, the city where God had placed His Name and His Temple staggers in poor condition. Judah is falling because she had turned her back on the Lord and rejected His instructions. It is important to note that what we say needs to glorify God as much as what we do. In open defiance of their Lord they flaunted their sin without any attempt to hide it and without shame.

Within Isaiah's prophecies are also glorious messages of hope, which reflect the character and grace of God. In verse 10 is one such message of comfort that "it will be well" – but only for the righteous. This is the remnant, the few who remained in right relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, those who continue in rebellion and sin will reap destruction. The lesson is as much for us today -- "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). If we are reaping from what we have sown and that sowing is reaping destruction, God is willing to forgive, heal and redeem when we repent and ask.

Isaiah reiterates that it is the weak leaders who are particularly at fault. It was greediness on their part that had led to injustice. It is not just that the poor were ignored. The leaders had taken advantage of their poverty for their own enrichment. A double standard of justice is not true justice. Within God's social justice, the poor have as much right to justice and protection as does anyone, including the leaders of the land. The Lord had given numerous instructions concerning those who are poor:

Leviticus 25:35-37
"Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. 36 Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your countryman may live with you. 37 You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain."

Leviticus 19:15
"You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly."

The word "vineyard" in verse 14 is used in a figurative way representing Israel and meaning that instead of being oppressed, His People were to have been cultivated, protected and cared for. Whether leadership is related to government, employment, schools, family or church ministry, we need to recognize the responsibility we have to those who follow. Leadership is not just to be associated with authority, but it provides the opportunity to develop character. A good leader is not self-serving, but works toward the good of all. On the flip side it is imperative that those who are not leaders choose good leadership, the proper mentor and heroes with good moral values. We fail our own selves when we put improper leadership in place and are not careful who we follow. Let's seek God’s will and pray before placing someone in authority and continue to pray for them as they lead and serve.