Tag: isa30

Truth Be Told!

As we wrap up Lamentations today, we see the writer connect the downfall of Jerusalem to the sins of her prophets and priests. Not a king in all the earth—no one in all the world—would have believed that an enemy could march through the gates of Jerusalem. Yet it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the sins of her priests, who defiled the city by shedding innocent blood. (Lamentations 4:12–13, NLT) Is there a connection between the “pulpit” and the future of a people? Yes.

Granted, the people loved having prophets and priests who said smooth things to them. …this is a rebellious people, lying children, Children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; And to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, Speak unto us smooth things, Prophesy deceits: (Isaiah 30:9–10, KJV) Yet, just because the people wanted to be lied to didn’t absolve the spiritual leaders of the responsibility to tell the truth. 

Ultimately, we see here that when truth dies in the mouths of spiritual leaders, sin is more than willing to fill the vacuum. The effects are so devastating that they lead to situations no one would have believed until they happened. What a reminder to speak the truth in love as spiritual leaders and Christians! What a reminder to insist on being told the truth, especially from spiritual leaders, and support that truth by receiving it and living it out, even when it convicts us! Truth be told, the alternative is unbelievable. 

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Lamentations 3:37-5.

It’s getting uncomfortable!

Today, we are back in the Book of Isaiah. Reading through the prophets can certainly be heavy. It can seem as though it is all doom and gloom. Judah accused the prophets (or seers as they are also called) of this very thing in our reading this morning. Notice, … They tell the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” They tell the prophets, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget all this gloom. Get off your narrow path. Stop telling us about your ‘Holy One of Israel.’ ” (Isaiah 30:10–11, NLT)

Wow! The prophets Micah, Isaiah, Hosea, and many more to come were not prophesying doom and gloom; they warned the people of impending judgment so they might repent and avoid the coming destruction. But that was considered a narrow path—doom and gloom! 

With their hearts closed to the One who wants to show them mercy, what does God do? So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. (Isaiah 30:18, NLT) God is not going to force His people to turn from their evil. He will allow judgment to do its work. Because they rejected the mercy of God, notice what happens. This is the reply of the Holy One of Israel: “Because you despise what I tell you and trust instead in oppression and lies, calamity will come upon you suddenly— like a bulging wall that bursts and falls. In an instant it will collapse and come crashing down. (Isaiah 30:12–13, NLT)

What a reminder! It is good to hear the uncomfortable, and even better when we respond by repenting. Pride, however, resists correction, even to the point of wanting to be lied to! Humility receives mercy.

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Isaiah 28-30.