Rebellion on Trial

 

    Today we begin the long series on the prophets.  We start with Isaiah and his declaration that the nation will be judged for their rebellion against God.  The question that we have to ask is if God will judge His chosen nation what keeps Him from judging any nation?  How long can we live like He doesn't exist before He has enough?

    Isaiah had a vision about his nation.  The national leaders led their people down a path that could have been avoided.  It seems like people get chance after chance to change, but we never do.  God is patient, but eventually it will lead to judgment.  It starts with a list of charges of rebellion (scandal and betrayal).  

    People seem to chose the corrupt path when given the choice between right and wrong.  It only hurts ourselves because we are walking out of His protection into our own.  He gives us warnings as reminders of consequences, but people persist in their sin.  It leads to the desolation.  God is repulsed by this attitude and depraved behavior that nations make acceptable if not normal.

    When we ignore God to live our lives, but act like Christians then our actions mean nothing to Him.  It is hypocrisy.  Out offerings are not accepted.  The only thing that will be accepted at this point is a prayer of repentance.  Once we repent, we have to turn from that sin, and burn away our impurities.  Basically get right with God, stop living for yourself, and live righteously by seeking to help other people in need.  

    As a nation we have two options.  We can come together as willing faithful servants or we can rebell.  He will rescue the humble.  However, if we insist on rebelling, then the penalty will be an unpleasant death.  We will fall into disgrace and destruction.  The guilty will not excape.

    A Christian needs to be strong like an oak tree near a stream.  We are vulnerable and weak the further we wonder from God (the living water).  The only way to be strong is together staying close to Him.  The other option is to burn.

Isaiah 1