Isaiah
32 reminds me of the TV show called MythBusters. My favorite
episodes are the ones that disprove beliefs that are firmly held.
Often the results even surprise the hosts. On a recent show, the
myth was that a plane could not take off if the runway was moving
backwards at a speed matching the take-off speed. Without forward
motion there cannot be any lift and therefore no flight. To the
surprise of all, the plane took off perfectly normally. The error
was in the assumption that airspeed has any relationship to ground
speed. In high speed video, it was clear that the propeller pulled
the plane through the air with the wheels simply spinning faster. In
today’s chapter Isaiah points to the moment of realization when “a
king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice“.
The results will be, “like a
shelter from
the wind… a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the
desert“. Suddenly truth is
understood and, “Then the eyes
of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who
hear will listen. The
fearful heart will know and understand“.
Isaiah adds, “No longer will
the fool… be
highly respected“. In
contrast Isaiah describes the attitude today toward the things of
God, “fools speak folly…
are bent on evil… They practice
ungodliness and
spread error concerning the
LORD“. Does real joy come
from serving self or honoring God?
Today,
so many issues have become associated with politics rather than the
pursuit of truth. Keep in mind, when discussing abortion, global
warming, or deficit spending that politicians want votes and money.
Isaiah explains, “Scoundrels
use wicked methods… make up evil schemes… destroy the poor with
lies“,
even when “the
plea of the needy is just“.
Interestingly, Isaiah calls on the women in the capitol city of
Jerusalem “who
are so complacent”
to “rise
up and
listen
to me“.
He continues, you “who
feel secure“,
“In
little more than a year
you…
will
tremble“.
He explains, “The
harvest of fruit will not come“.
Isaiah is warning that we have an obligation to live right, but also
speak out so others may hear. Jesus said, “What
goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out
of their mouth, that is what defiles them”
(Matt 15:11). Have you become complacent?
Isaiah
speaks to the comfortable. It is time to take action. “Strip
off your fine clothes and
wrap
yourselves in rags“.
He says to prepare and mourn “for
the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines
and
for the land of My people… yes,
mourn…
for this
city
of revelry“.
Isaiah describes a ghost town, “a
land overgrown with thorns and briers… The fortress will be
abandoned… noisy city deserted… a wasteland“.
In times of trouble people want answers. He makes it very clear
that joy and understanding come only through the Holy Spirit of God,
“till
the Spirit is poured on us from on high“.
Isaiah gives the truth in super slow motion so none can miss it.
“The
LORD’s justice will dwell… His righteousness live… The fruit of
that righteousness will be peace…
quietness
and confidence forever“.
Jesus Christ will return in judgment and authority. Where are the
believers? “My
people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in
undisturbed places of rest. Though hail flattens the forest and the
city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be“.
Don’t get dragged down by those who deny God. In the end, those
who worship man will be Busted. Allow the Holy Spirit to confirm His
presence in your life and rise up my friend!