08.04.08
Isaiah - Day 67
Scripture: Isaiah 3:14 (NIV): "The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: 'It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.' "
Thought: To me, it is a heavy responsibility to be a leader.
Question: How do I treat people "under" me? Younger than me?
Oh, the awesome responsibility of leadership! And oh, the awesome woe that will come against someone in leadership who has enriched himself at the expense of other people! What a horrible thought to have God "against" you. What a heavy charge to be made responsible for His vineyard's ruination.
Here is a direct blame, placed by the judgment of God, on "elders and leaders" in Israel. When God "enters into judgment" it's as though He embarks on a new line of behavior. Combined with yesterday's verse (verse 13) we see God "rising" to judge. He gets up, as it were, from a more passive position and takes a stand of action against these people. I can just picture Him pointing His finger at them! Notice the words "you" and "your". This charge is specific! The blame is squarely placed. I would not like to get "caught red-handed" by God with something that belonged to someone else turning up in my house!
God left these leaders in charge of His precious vineyard. He entrusted it to them; but they have "ruined" it.
Prayer: Lord, show me in what ways I may be "plundering" those around me, and help me to cease. Help me rather, Lord, to give, to build up and to encourage. Amen.
