Today, I am reading and commenting on  Isaiah 1-4.

For the last few years when I come to this passage I note that, of the four kings who reigned while Isaiah prophesied, three were described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  Nevertheless, Isaiah prophesied God’s coming judgement upon the people of Judah for their sins.  Isaiah told them that God was tired of their sacrifices and holy assemblies because they did not do what was right.  Yes, Isaiah does condemn their rulers, but only after first saying that they themselves were wicked and did not do what was right.  Isaiah speaks to a people who live in a land filled with wealth and power, that is also filled with idolatry.  All too often, we blame the problems around us on those in government, and think that the solution to them is to get the right people to run things.  Isaiah tells us that we need to work on fixing the problems we see, and if we do, God will put the right people in charge.  Of course, if we do that we risk God making us the people in charge.  And most of us know that being the right person in charge is a lot of work, because the right person knows that godly leadership means seeking what is best for those you are leading, at your own expense.  So, let us defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, and plead the case of the widow!  However, do not make the mistake of doing this generically.  Find an oppressed person and defend them, or take up the cause of a fatherless person, or plead the case of a widow.  Doing what is right is hard work, but God will bless us if we do it.

I use the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.