Isaiah - Verse By Verse

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.  

Scripture:  Isaiah 3:13 (NIV):  "The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people."

Thought:  To me, it is a thankful Day when God takes over!

Question:  Am I ready to be judged?  How have I used the "days" God has given me?

Thank goodness that when things get to a crisis point, God is waiting in the wings to take over!  He will take control by way of the passing of judgment; His "day in court."  To do this, He "rises."  This is an interesting picture:  God previously "seated", watching man do his thing, waiting for mankind to accept His Son, His eyes "everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."  (Proverbs 15:3).  But now He gets up!  Now He comes to a point of decision and change, as it were.  Now He begins "His Day" of judgment of all that He has watched.     

As an illustration, even as Christ's first coming sought to bring an open-ended opportunity through grace for all to be saved, later Christ's second coming will be established very differently:  He will "rise to judge the people."  The Father will send Him at the appointed time.    

Just as God the Father gave Israel room to make decisions, now He moves upon Israel to judge those decisions. 

Similarly, we have had "our day"--very soon God will have "His day"!

Prayer:  Almighty God, You are the King of Kings!  Show Yourself strong, Father, and may we see Your "rising" and give You glory as You begin to move upon mankind and "take your place in court."  Amen. 

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