Isaiah 32:1-8 (NIV)
Read by: Maureen Mathew
These days, a lot of us have a great deal of skepticism about our government leaders. If you look up the word “politician” you might be surprised to find that there are two meanings. The first just means someone involved in conducting the business of government. But the second definition is “a person who acts in a manipulative or devious way to further their own advancement.” It’s unfortunate, but humanity has always had a tenuous relationship with power. We were made to reign and rule with God, but apart from his wisdom, we always end up making choices that do more harm than good in the end. And often, even those who appear to be following God are just using his name as a means to build up their own empire.
Israel was no stranger to this dynamic, and today’s passage falls within a series of poems rebuking the leaders of Jerusalem for their foolish politics. Yet within this rebuke, as always, the LORD does not leave them to flounder in their foolishness. The promise that was made is reiterated, seen from a new angle, painted on another canvas. Even amidst the harsh warnings, the reminders to hope come often. There is another King a new human who will reign with righteousness and justice. He is coming. Place your hope in him, wait for him.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What images in this passage caught your attention?
2. This passage talks about a King, but it also talks about rulers (plural), who will bring safety, security, and provision. Whether we’ve seen it that way or not, we who follow him do hold positions of leadership—whether in our jobs, without votes, with our friends, or with younger people in our lives. How can you be like a shelter from the wind or a refuge from the storm for those within your care?
3. Under the reign of this king and these rulers, a whole host of bad things are undone, while goodness, clarity and understanding will define the new order of things. In what ways do you long for goodness, clarity and understanding in your life? What about in the life of your community? Bring those things to the LORD today.
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Bible Project: Isaiah 1-39 >>
Bible Project Blog: Isaiah and the Messianic King >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Isaiah >>
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