ISAIAH
CHAPTER
3
1. For now the Sovereign, the LORD of hosts is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah support and staff all support and staff all support of bread, and all support of water 2. warrior and soldier, judge and prophet, diviner and elder, 3. captain of fifty and dignitary, counselor and skillful magician and expert enchanter.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 1 to 3)
As in the case of the people of Israel whom God decided to take away all the support that He had been given them, this can easily happen to us. If we decide to do things according to our sinful ways we will not merit Your help and support, for You are all goodness and cannot be part of our evil and sinful schemes.
4. And I will make boys their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 4)
Oh God we think that we have infinite knowledge and power according to the principles of the world, however our knowledge is no match when compared to You. Oh God You are able to rock the foundations of human logic and even challenge our greatest issues. You can even use little children in order to make us aware of the fallacy that we are living according to the ways of the world.
5. The people will be oppressed everyone by another and everyone by a neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the base to the honorable.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 5)
Oh God even during our times we are already experiencing such oppression. We are experiencing stigma towards people who are of an age and towards all that is of an age even principles of religion and others of a social nature. We are in conflict regarding issues of marriages between female and male couples. Our judgement has become so impaired that we cannot discern Your goodness from that offered by the world.
6. Someone will even seize a relative a member of the clan, saying, "You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule."
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 6)
Oh God already at times we are making the wrong decisions and innocent people are dying along with those who are really to blame. Nations who are known for their military strength are being given the go ahead to make constant attacks using bombs and missiles. We are giving them the permission to rule by might and power, without ever considering that war and bloodshed is against Your will and without ever considering the emotion of vengeance that is created in the opponent that can leave negative consequences on many more innocent people. We are not even considering that such means of destruction that we have approved of can someday be used against us by both the same nation and that of the opponent, if these nations or the opponent acquires unlimited power. The vicious circle will never end and many more innocent people will continue to die!
7. But the other will cry out on that day, saying, "I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people."
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 7)
Oh God if I feel empty and lacking in Your Spirit how can I be of help to others. How can I lead my family according to Your ways if I feel lacking in my spiritual needs and maybe even on a physical and psychological level. I thank You God for the relationship that You have with me. I thank You for the time that we spend together in prayer and in service to others both at work and at home, even though for those at home it seems to be never enough and satisfactory.
8. For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God our deeds and speech are still worldly and not in favour of You. If we were to filter the messages that we are bombarded with we can observe that the main issues are encouragement to have and consume more and not to share with others; to love thyself and not to love others; to celebrate Christmas in luxury and have lunch in posh places, but no messages are displayed that encourage us to seek the confession of our sins, for nobody knows if this will be our last Christmas or day of our lives!
9. The look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it, woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God the face reflects our feelings, thoughts and attitude. If You were to look at me right now, You will see the face of a person who is in pain and anger and depressed. I am doing my best to walk in Your ways but all hell is breaking loose in my life as You are aware of. I wish that You make me a happy person again and help me in my troubles amen. As in the case of the people of Sodom many people even consecrated people are declaring their involvement, in homosexuality in public without considering the shame that they are throwing on both themselves and even on the Roman Catholic Church.
10. Tell the innocent how fortunate they are, for they shall eat the fruit of their labors.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God apart from little children I have serious doubts about those who are innocent, because as humans we are so weak that at any time of our lives we can easily become contaminated by evil and lose our innocence. I am one of those people oh God. I pray that You clean my mind from all negative thoughts so that I will be able to think and behave like You and live according to Your Holy Will.
11. Woe to the guilty! How unfortunate they are, for what their hands have done shall be done to them.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 11)
As is the natural course of nature oh God for every action that we do, there is either a positive or negative consequence, that either way we cannot avoid experiencing. Although the logic of the world dictates this logic, Your logic and mercy are far greater Amen.
12. My people-children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh my God our times are also experiencing such disorder. The original structure of the family for reasons that suit our needs is being modified. The female who was assigned to be the keeper of the nest is exchanging roles with the males and vice versa. As a consequence children are rebelling against there parents especially in situations where both parents work long hours. We are to keep in mind that if we do not have time for our children with whom to communicate, we are not to feel surprised or angry at them if they throw us out of our lives and seek the counsel of friends and or significant others. We have to be very careful because even regrading issues of values our young ones may challenge our values and become our oppressors in the sense that friction may arise in the family that is completely due to our laxity as parents.
13. The LORD rises to argue his case; he stands to judge the peoples. 14. The LORD enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 13 to 14)
Oh friends, brothers and sisters of all nations, do not fight and wage wars against injustice, for You oh God are the one who is most worthy and able to correct human injustice and reverse the negative consequences of evil. Therefore we are not to be judgemental in our attitude and be swift in gossipping about others.
15. What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor? says the Lord GOD of hosts.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God during the present times, You may have a similar argument. You may argue, "What do you mean by bombarding Syria with missiles and killing many innocent people. Could not all the borders be closed and restrictions imposed on people of Islamic origin at all airports to prevent them from spreading throughout the world at least until the crisis is over. Could not all Muslims be extradited and sent back to their country of origin so that Europe and the world be cleansed of such a threat, instead of all the bloodshed that is being carried out? Could not meetings be held with the leaders of this group that is terrorising the world and issues be discussed and resolved in a peaceful atmosphere instead of resorting to war?
16. The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk outstretched necks glancing wantonly with their eyes mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet; 17. the Lord will afflict with scabs the heads of the daughters of Zion,and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17)
Due to the fact that Your children turned away from You and became proud and haughty they were to experience the consequences of their sins. Oh God even today we are experiencing such consequences. In the name of progress we are disrupting our natural, social, psychological and above all spiritual environment by means of our sins and meddling with nature. We have problems in the ozone layer, the patterns of the seasons are not like they used to be, social unrest and strife, however my heart is not troubled for You are still in control although all seems to be in a state of chaos!
18. In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; 19. the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarfs; 20. the head dresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; 21. the signet rings and nose rings; 22. the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; 23. the garments of gauze, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 18 to 22)
When God sees us becoming to proud and haughty He will create circumstances that will make us become humble. He is able to remove our skills and talents for our own good so that we can repent and start again.
24. Instead of perfume there will be a stench; and instead of a sash, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a binding of sackcloth instead of beauty, shame. 25. Your men shall fall by the sword and your warriors in battle. 26. And her gates shall lament and mourn; ravaged, she shall sit upon the ground.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 24 to 26)
Oh God when we wonder away from You we are like a blind man lost on a desert island. We think we know where we are heading, because the world portrays a state of heaven on earth, always giving us the impression that life on earth is forever, however this is an illusion and alienation from the truth, that if we wonder away from You or reject You from our lives we are lost. Our quality of life is reduced totally because we have rejected the source of all life and chose to follow the master of death that is the evil one who exists as much as You oh God! even though this spirit would like us to think that he does not exist and take him lightly so that this spirit can harm us where we hurt most.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God and Father hallowed be thy name, please help us to keep on track and follow Your ways. Help us to accept Your love and mercy and also Your discipline which is always for our own good. Forgive us when we made bad choices as in the case of Your people Israel and wondered on sinful ground Amen.
4. And I will make boys their princes, and babes shall rule over them.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 4)
Oh God we think that we have infinite knowledge and power according to the principles of the world, however our knowledge is no match when compared to You. Oh God You are able to rock the foundations of human logic and even challenge our greatest issues. You can even use little children in order to make us aware of the fallacy that we are living according to the ways of the world.
5. The people will be oppressed everyone by another and everyone by a neighbor; the youth will be insolent to the elder, and the base to the honorable.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 5)
Oh God even during our times we are already experiencing such oppression. We are experiencing stigma towards people who are of an age and towards all that is of an age even principles of religion and others of a social nature. We are in conflict regarding issues of marriages between female and male couples. Our judgement has become so impaired that we cannot discern Your goodness from that offered by the world.
6. Someone will even seize a relative a member of the clan, saying, "You have a cloak; you shall be our leader, and this heap of ruins shall be under your rule."
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 6)
Oh God already at times we are making the wrong decisions and innocent people are dying along with those who are really to blame. Nations who are known for their military strength are being given the go ahead to make constant attacks using bombs and missiles. We are giving them the permission to rule by might and power, without ever considering that war and bloodshed is against Your will and without ever considering the emotion of vengeance that is created in the opponent that can leave negative consequences on many more innocent people. We are not even considering that such means of destruction that we have approved of can someday be used against us by both the same nation and that of the opponent, if these nations or the opponent acquires unlimited power. The vicious circle will never end and many more innocent people will continue to die!
7. But the other will cry out on that day, saying, "I will not be a healer; in my house there is neither bread nor cloak; you shall not make me leader of the people."
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 7)
Oh God if I feel empty and lacking in Your Spirit how can I be of help to others. How can I lead my family according to Your ways if I feel lacking in my spiritual needs and maybe even on a physical and psychological level. I thank You God for the relationship that You have with me. I thank You for the time that we spend together in prayer and in service to others both at work and at home, even though for those at home it seems to be never enough and satisfactory.
8. For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen, because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God our deeds and speech are still worldly and not in favour of You. If we were to filter the messages that we are bombarded with we can observe that the main issues are encouragement to have and consume more and not to share with others; to love thyself and not to love others; to celebrate Christmas in luxury and have lunch in posh places, but no messages are displayed that encourage us to seek the confession of our sins, for nobody knows if this will be our last Christmas or day of our lives!
9. The look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it, woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God the face reflects our feelings, thoughts and attitude. If You were to look at me right now, You will see the face of a person who is in pain and anger and depressed. I am doing my best to walk in Your ways but all hell is breaking loose in my life as You are aware of. I wish that You make me a happy person again and help me in my troubles amen. As in the case of the people of Sodom many people even consecrated people are declaring their involvement, in homosexuality in public without considering the shame that they are throwing on both themselves and even on the Roman Catholic Church.
10. Tell the innocent how fortunate they are, for they shall eat the fruit of their labors.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God apart from little children I have serious doubts about those who are innocent, because as humans we are so weak that at any time of our lives we can easily become contaminated by evil and lose our innocence. I am one of those people oh God. I pray that You clean my mind from all negative thoughts so that I will be able to think and behave like You and live according to Your Holy Will.
11. Woe to the guilty! How unfortunate they are, for what their hands have done shall be done to them.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 11)
As is the natural course of nature oh God for every action that we do, there is either a positive or negative consequence, that either way we cannot avoid experiencing. Although the logic of the world dictates this logic, Your logic and mercy are far greater Amen.
12. My people-children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you, and confuse the course of your paths.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh my God our times are also experiencing such disorder. The original structure of the family for reasons that suit our needs is being modified. The female who was assigned to be the keeper of the nest is exchanging roles with the males and vice versa. As a consequence children are rebelling against there parents especially in situations where both parents work long hours. We are to keep in mind that if we do not have time for our children with whom to communicate, we are not to feel surprised or angry at them if they throw us out of our lives and seek the counsel of friends and or significant others. We have to be very careful because even regrading issues of values our young ones may challenge our values and become our oppressors in the sense that friction may arise in the family that is completely due to our laxity as parents.
13. The LORD rises to argue his case; he stands to judge the peoples. 14. The LORD enters into judgment with the elders and princes of his people: It is you who have devoured the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 13 to 14)
Oh friends, brothers and sisters of all nations, do not fight and wage wars against injustice, for You oh God are the one who is most worthy and able to correct human injustice and reverse the negative consequences of evil. Therefore we are not to be judgemental in our attitude and be swift in gossipping about others.
15. What do you mean by crushing my people, by grinding the face of the poor? says the Lord GOD of hosts.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God during the present times, You may have a similar argument. You may argue, "What do you mean by bombarding Syria with missiles and killing many innocent people. Could not all the borders be closed and restrictions imposed on people of Islamic origin at all airports to prevent them from spreading throughout the world at least until the crisis is over. Could not all Muslims be extradited and sent back to their country of origin so that Europe and the world be cleansed of such a threat, instead of all the bloodshed that is being carried out? Could not meetings be held with the leaders of this group that is terrorising the world and issues be discussed and resolved in a peaceful atmosphere instead of resorting to war?
16. The LORD said: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk outstretched necks glancing wantonly with their eyes mincing along as they go, tinkling with their feet; 17. the Lord will afflict with scabs the heads of the daughters of Zion,and the LORD will lay bare their secret parts.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 16 to 17)
Due to the fact that Your children turned away from You and became proud and haughty they were to experience the consequences of their sins. Oh God even today we are experiencing such consequences. In the name of progress we are disrupting our natural, social, psychological and above all spiritual environment by means of our sins and meddling with nature. We have problems in the ozone layer, the patterns of the seasons are not like they used to be, social unrest and strife, however my heart is not troubled for You are still in control although all seems to be in a state of chaos!
18. In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; 19. the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarfs; 20. the head dresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; 21. the signet rings and nose rings; 22. the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; 23. the garments of gauze, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 18 to 22)
When God sees us becoming to proud and haughty He will create circumstances that will make us become humble. He is able to remove our skills and talents for our own good so that we can repent and start again.
24. Instead of perfume there will be a stench; and instead of a sash, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a binding of sackcloth instead of beauty, shame. 25. Your men shall fall by the sword and your warriors in battle. 26. And her gates shall lament and mourn; ravaged, she shall sit upon the ground.
(Book of Isaiah Chapter 3 verses 24 to 26)
Oh God when we wonder away from You we are like a blind man lost on a desert island. We think we know where we are heading, because the world portrays a state of heaven on earth, always giving us the impression that life on earth is forever, however this is an illusion and alienation from the truth, that if we wonder away from You or reject You from our lives we are lost. Our quality of life is reduced totally because we have rejected the source of all life and chose to follow the master of death that is the evil one who exists as much as You oh God! even though this spirit would like us to think that he does not exist and take him lightly so that this spirit can harm us where we hurt most.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:-
Oh God and Father hallowed be thy name, please help us to keep on track and follow Your ways. Help us to accept Your love and mercy and also Your discipline which is always for our own good. Forgive us when we made bad choices as in the case of Your people Israel and wondered on sinful ground Amen.
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