The leaders have failed so leadership will falter; selfishness reigns so the haughty will be humbled. But there is hope… the branch of the Lord is coming!
Isaiah turns to look at the heart of the problem and sees the problem at the heart of Israel. Instead of faithful worship to God alone, God’s people were being spiritual adulterers, worshipping God’s gifts, God’s creation and even the false gods of the nations around them. They looked ‘full’ but were foolish. But there was still hope…
God’s people were supposed to reflect God’s justice and righteousness to a watching world but they had failed and become violent, corrupt and selfish and the poor and the widow were paying the price. Isaiah brings God’s charge, God’s verdict but also God’s promise.
Isaiah 1 starts with God’s verdict on his people – and it’s fair to say he is not pleased! They are stupid, sinful, stubborn, like ‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ and yet oh so religious! But God’s judgement doesn’t have to lead to wrath; God offers his glorious grace and tells his people to make a choice. What choice will we make?