Isaiah 3:1-4:1 Lost Support
Judah and Jerusalem receive a word from the Lord through Isaiah. “You have lost My support because of your sin.” This includes bread and water too. Danger lies ahead if things don’t change!
When reading this passage, I started wondering about the timing of Isaiah’s vision and when it would come to pass. Throughout the passage, the words “I will” are seen. This leads me to believe this is a warning message of what is to come if things don’t change RIGHT NOW.
Then I started thinking about the kings that Isaiah was a prophet for. Two of them were listed as very godly kings, one was listed as a good king who walked a godly path, and one was listed as a VERY BAD king. Was this message given during the time of King Ahaz? If so, when was it given? Was it early on, or later in his reign? Did he do anything with the prophecy? If it was given during any of the other three king’s reigns, did they do anything with this prophecy? Did it inspire them to get the people in line a bit more or did they think they were doing fine already? Did whichever king received it figure that they had plenty of time and let the next king worry about it?
Next thing I know, the story of Jonah popped into my mind. Jonah was sent to give a prophecy to Nineveh and it was one of judgment too. Jonah didn’t want to go because he had seen God withdraw His punishment when the people repented. Jonah wanted Nineveh to be punished. Nineveh did exactly as Jonah expected; they repented from the king all the way down. God spared them. WHY didn’t Judah learn from that story? Why didn’t they repent and have God withdraw His hand from this judgment? Was it because they didn’t think they HAD TO because they were the Children of God? Did they think they would be spared because of that relationship?
Entitlement attitude. We (me at least) can be just as guilty as Judah in this area. There are two sayings that deal directly with this. 1) It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission. 2) Obedience is better than sacrifice.
As you can plainly see, these two statements are the opposite of one another. One is man’s words and the other is God’s. I am convinced that we undervalue forgiveness. It was NOT easy to purchase. It cost a life. Initially, it cost the life of MANY animals. Finally, it cost the life of Jesus. Why is it that we don’t put more weight on needing this gift from God? Why do we take for granted that it will be available for us every time we ask for it? Why do people think they can get it without having to change the behavior that created the need for it?
If we are too afraid to ask for permission, then it is because we ALREADY KNOW that there is a “No” in the making. If you expected a “Yes” there would be no problem with asking. There are times when we walk into sin without even thinking about what we are doing. But when we deliberately choose the “It’s easier…” route, what does that say about our hearts? What does that say about MY heart?
It says “I’m selfish” and it devalues Jesus’ work on my behalf.
God says that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” Which means, He longs for us to obey what we already know is right; what He has said. Sacrifice is only required when we don’t obey. Who wouldn’t rather have someone not hurt you than to say “I’m sorry” afterwards? God DOES NOT enjoy the taking of a life to cover our sins. He ‘enjoys’ a ‘bar-b-que’ with His people when it is a praise offering. The sweet aroma fills His nostrils and the praises from the mouths of His children are music to His ears. But when that same act of sacrifice is done as a requirement to atone for sin, I have a think it feels just a little bit different. YES. He is rejoicing that His child has decided to come back but it comes with the pain of knowing that they strayed in the first place.
In that moment between the offense and the forgiveness is where the pain lives. After He has forgiven us, He “remembers [our] sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12b). Not because He has a memory problem but because He CHOOSES to ‘forget’ our sins. He CHOOSES not to ever bring them up again; even when we bring them up or Satan does. We may still have natural consequences that resulted from our sin but He will not hold us accountable for them any longer. PROVIDED WE WALK AWAY FROM THEM. If we only say “I’m sorry” to ease our conscience but continue doing what we know is wrong, it’s not repentance. When we are TRULY sorry and walk away from that sin, He is still waiting with forgiveness on the other side of repentance. REAL repentance.
So, how did I get from the passage about God removing His protection from Judah to here? Only the Spirit knows! For me today, I will take from this message what the king of Nineveh took from His message. “It doesn’t have to go the scary way. REPENT and PREVENT the horrible things promised for staying on the path of sin.” Judah didn’t and God’s words of warning came to pass. DON’T follow their example! God DOES discipline His children BECAUSE He loves them. Love Him enough to obey rather than walk in a way that requires His forgiveness. It HURTS.
Father God, I’m SO SORRY for ALL the times I hurt You. THANK YOU that Your forgiveness was still waiting for me when I finally let go of my sin. THANK YOU for helping me stand against temptation too. For giving me the strength to choose obedience. For growing my love for You to the point where I WANT to choose obedience. I don’t want to cause You or Jesus ANY MORE pain. Help me continue to grow in listening to You and choosing You over ANY THING ELSE!
I love You Daddy
Your little girl.
