You may be thinking, I’m sure glad I wasn’t in Israel then! God’s rage seems to have been unleashed. For Isaiah’s audience in Judah, they must be thinking the same thing. Instead, they should be thinking, “Are we next? Are we immune to God’s anger?” For us today, it’s almost difficult to imagine the wrath of God coming down in such a forceful way. We are probably in a bit of denial that our loving God could be so ruthless.
We shouldn’t get too complacent in our comfortable lives. God’s compassion is powerful and strong, but so is his wrath. It isn’t like God just decided one day to be angry at his people. It took years, generations of sinfulness to bring them to this moment. God has given his people one chance after the other to be reconciled to him. In sending Jesus, that was his most loving attempt to bring us back to him. Yet for those who ignore God, turn their backs on him and do things their own way, can we assume his fury will not follow them as it did those people in Israel who have done the same?
It’s a bit of a slippery slope. As Christ followers, we feel like we have a bit of a security blanket wrapped around us keeping us safe. And yet, the evil in this world is lurking, finding all sorts of ways to rip that blanket from around us, cause us to doubt God’s grace, and decide we really don’t need God after all. We need to be careful not to buy into those lies! We need to be connected to God, now more than ever. As Christ followers we have the assurance found in Romans 8:1, “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
We can look at these passages if we have any doubt. “And the people of Israel and Samaria, who spoke with such pride and arrogance, will soon know it.” Sometimes we get caught up in our own pride and arrogance. It didn’t end well for Israel. They didn’t see the big picture. They figured they could rebuild and withstand the destruction only to see God bring on more. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the trials of life and wonder when the onslaught is going to stop. The difference for us is it’s not God bringing the wrath, it is the consequence of our own sinfulness.
Sometimes we look to false leaders for protection and guidance as well. That can be problematic, too, if our leadership has been tainted. “For the leaders of the people have misled them. They have led them down the path of destruction.” Even leaders make mistakes. The power of leadership can be addicting. It’s when our leaders let that addiction take over and consume them that they open themselves up to problems. Those problems are generally the result of drifting farther and farther away from God. I’m not going to name any names here, but I’m sure we have all encountered leadership along the way that, while charismatic and charming, did not represent the best leaders aligned with godly principles.
Isaiah goes on to give more examples of the abuses going on in Israel. This phrase is repeated several times. “But even then the Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.” God wants our allegiance. It’s that simple. The people didn’t get it. One of the examples that spoke to me was “This wickedness is like a brushfire. It burns not only briers and thorns but also sets the forests ablaze.” Those in the Western United States have truly seen how fire can take control and destroy. Wickedness is like that. It tries to control us with the intent of destruction. How do we protect ourselves?
Take some time today to reflect on God’s provisions. How is he calling you? Are you listening or are you putting your trust into other people and things?
Let’s pray … Lord, forgive me when I trust in the wrong things and people. I know you as a compassionate and loving Father, so it’s hard for me to see your wrath and fury. It’s a good reminder to see that side of you as well, and it strikes up in me the awe and “fear” of you we should never forget. May I never take you for granted. May I stay focused on your will for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
