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We are reading in Isaiah Chapters 2,3 . Although this happened once in Israel, because it is linked to the book of Revelation, it is very much a word of warning for our day.

God is scorned - and Isaiah does not shrink from preaching what God is saying. Isaiah is living in a day when a whole generation was unresponsive to God.

Some see this word as being fulfilled when Ahaz became king at the age of 20.

Ahaz turned to the gods of Damascus - set up idols in the streets of Jerusalem - he even closed the Temple – II Chronicles Chapter 28 – which brought judgement upon him and his generation.

Usually, we bring calamity and judgement upon ourselves - having disregarded the warnings sounded and proclaimed by prophetic men.

Isaiah makes this clear too - it is not the fault of the children - but the fault of the fathers - the older more senior men. It was the father wanting to make more and more money that led - or caused - the young ones to go astray. Our young people will do what they see their fathers doing. When there is immorality among the older people, we must not be surprised if the children get things wrong!

Good leadership lifts people's vision. Bad leadership gives people what they want!

In verses 6,7 of Isaiah Chapter 3 there is a sad scene where people who could possibly lead would NOT become involved in leadership. That is tragic in many ways - and in so many areas.

If you know you could do something for God - in the mercy and love of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit, do it.

I recall one man who had potential leadership qualities - saying to me when asked to do something which I knew he could do - "I've too many irons in the fire!" When I told him to throw away the other irons and serve Jesus Christ, he wouldn't - and what a sad man he remained.

Verse 8 . All this is going on while Jerusalem is being ruined. Rulers and leaders have a responsibility - and the responsibility which God lays upon us as disciples of Jesus, but who may not be in positions of leadership - is to pray for those who are. And if the leader falls, lift him up.

Verses 9 to 12 . Their faces show what is in their hearts. They were openly speaking against God - and insulting God - and openly parading their sins. There was no shame or sense of shame left - they strut up and down in their sin, like Sodom. And - they bring disaster upon themselves.

Such a change in society - we were informed recently that in our land married families are now in the minorities - people are saying they do not want to commit.

We hear about how we can improve upon man, in various ways, and nature is said to become our servant. We hear of “Mother Nature” who does not exist - but “Father God” does exist, and He tends to be overlooked and ignored.

This is NOT a pretty picture - but in the middle of all this - God slips in a word of mercy and hope and grace – a word of pure light - verse 10 . "Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds."

God gave that reassuring word to Isaiah - and that is one word I want to leave with you. We can leave here righteous - not self-righteous - no, no – it is more than that - righteous in the sight of God - because we have been cleansed in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Have you noticed - in the middle of the most serious of situations, God sends a word which imparts peace and light and encouragement and hope?

“Holy Father – as we pray – as we praise and worship You – speak to us from the Scriptures. Loving Father, we need a Word of peace and light and encouragement and hope – we need reassurance when we feel weak and vulnerable. Hear us as we pray for those who are going through even harder times – those imprisoned for their faith in Jesus Christ. Enable us to be people who pray – and who fellowship with You, the living God – through Jesus Christ, our Saviour.” Amen.

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

Mangled Mind-Psalms 91:15