“For Christ is of those who are humble-minded and not of those who exalt themselves over His flock. Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Scepter of the majesty of God, did not come in the pomp of pride or arrogance, although He might have done so. But He came in a lowly condition, as the Holy Spirit had declared regarding Him…You see, beloved, the example which has been given us. If the Lord so humbled Himself, what shall we do who have through Him come under the yoke of His grace?” (Clement).
People forsake the Lord when they are prideful, idolize work and trust man’s accomplishments. People meet the Lord when they defend the cause of the needy, repent of sin and teach God’s word to walk in His paths.
Forsaking the Lord
The vision of Isaiah concerning Judah and Jerusalem during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. The Lord reared children but they rebelled against Him without knowledge and understanding. People loaded with guilt, corruption and evildoing with injured head and afflicted heart forsook the Lord. A desolate country with cities burned with fire, fields laid waste and stripped by foreigners had some survivors so they would not be like Sodom and Gomorrah (Is. 1:1-9). Forsake the Lord when you are ignorant, guilty and evil.
Seeking Justice
The Lord took no pleasure in their burnt offerings and the blood of bulls, lambs and goats. Stop bringing worthless offerings through your prayers and solemn assemblies. God hated and weary of their appointed feasts. God would not listen to their prayers because their hands were full of blood. Wash and make yourself clean. Stop doing wrong so you remove evil deeds from God’s sight. Learn to do good, seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the orphan and plead for the widow (Is. 1:10-17). Seek justice for the needy and God will hear your prayers.
Defending the Needy
Reason together with God, though your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. The faithful city that once was full of justice and righteousness became a harlot and murderer. Rulers are rebels who love bribes and do not defend the fatherless or widow (Is. 1:18-23). Come to God and defend the needy so you will prosper in the land.
Repenting of Sin and Redeeming the City
The Mighty One of Israel will avenge Himself on His foes and turn His hand against you. He will remove your impurities and restore your judges and counselors. Afterward you will be called the righteous and faithful city. Zion will be redeemed with justice and her repentant ones with righteousness. He breaks rebels and sinners. Those forsaking the Lord perish like an oak with fading leaves or garden without water. The mighty man becomes tinder and his work a spark with no one quenching the fire (Is. 1:24-31). Repent of sin so God removes impurities and a city is redeemed with faithfulness and righteousness.
Teaching God’s Word
In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief with all the nations streaming to it. Many people will come and be taught God’s ways so they can walk in His paths. God’s word will go out from Jerusalem so He can judge between nations and settle disputes. Nations will not train for war anymore as swords are beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks (Is. 2:1-4). Teach God’s word so people learn how to walk in His ways while He judges nations and settles disputes.
Humbling Pride
Israel will walk in the light of the Lord. God abandoned his people who were full of superstitions from the East and practiced divination like the pagans. Their land was full of silver and gold, treasures, horses and chariots. They bowed down to the idols of work and what their hands created hiding them from forgiveness and the splendor of God’s majesty. The eyes of the arrogant man were humbled and his pride brought low. The Lord alone will be exalted in that day (Is. 2:5-11). Humble pride of accomplishment as you idolize work.
Stop Trusting Man’s Accomplishments
He will humble the proud and lofty one day, including every trading ship and stately vessel. Their idols will totally disappear. Men will flee to the caves and throw away idols of silver and gold they made to worship. Stop trusting in man who only has breath (Is. 2:12-22). Stop trusting and worshiping man’s accomplishments that will disappear.
Ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit to seek justice, defend the needy, repent of sin, teach God’s word and humble pride so you don’t forsake the Lord and trust in man’s accomplishments.
