June 2020

Wrong or Reich? - Part 4

 
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by Jim Jester

May 24, 2020

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:19-21

“Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother. And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm: Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”

Introduction

The 20th century has been the most violent period in history.

Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.” – Rom. 3:15-18

The imagery that Paul uses here appears to have come from this section in Isaiah (Chps. 9:8-10:4; part of which we read), where the prophet predicts the destruction of Israel because of certain sins. These include: arrogance, false leaders, hatred, and oppression. Each sin is judged separately and followed by the concluding statement, “…but his [God’s] hand is stretched out still” [in judgment against Israel]. Are we still being judged today?