WHEN JUDGMENT BECOMES AN AGENT OF CHANGE

(A series in the book of Isaiah: Chapter 5)

Isaiah chapter 5 is a bit long exposition of the sins of God’s people. The Prophet started with a parable of a vineyard owned by God that does not bear good fruit. All its fruits are simply bad (verses 1-7).

Then the remaining verses of this chapter express the woes and judgment. The following verses after the parable of the vineyard are the exposition of the terrible spiritual corruption of the people of God. The verses express the terrible fate of those who would continually choose their ways.

Another interesting point we see here in chapter 5 and the other chapters are that the justice of God in direct contrast if the injustice of men. It’s like God has repeatedly advertised HIS character as a direct contrast to everything man tries to do by himself.

There were six woes presented in the chapter:

1- Woe to you who are extortioners (8-10)

2- Woe to you who are playboys (12-17)

Woe to you who are scoffer (18-23)

3- who plot deceit and wickedness

4- who call evil good and good evil (18)

5- who are wise in their own eyes (20)

6- who are doing injustice to the innocent (22)

Another important aspect of the chapter is that it rings as a reminder and a warning of the existing evil among the people of God. It is a warning for them to be aware that God sees every move they make and they cannot hide from God. It is a reminder that their pursuit to be established in their wicked ways is of no avail because God’s goodness, love, and justice is the governing power of God’s government. They needed to see that evil will never overcome God’s love for humanity. God has always done all His best to warn His people of the natural consequences of sin.

When SIN abounds, God’s grace abounds even more. This is the governing principle even of this chapter when wickedness seems winning, we are assured that God’s grace becomes even stronger. How is this shown?

God does not love us because we are good. He loves us because HE is love, plain and simple. Even when we are bad God does love us already and he still. His love is not exclusive to the good and righteous ones. His love is sincerely for all of us sinners. And this love does the miracle and CHANGES US. IT IS THE LOVE OF GOD THAT WILL CHANGE THE EVIL INSIDE US. When

A new life in Christ’s love is the ultimate destination that God wants for His children. His judgment in this chapter is still for our good and in our favor. This is the ultimate of the ultimate that a sinner like you and me—with all the evil tendencies detailed in this chapter—is given the warning and given the assurance not of destruction but deliverance.

God’s love does not give up on any sinner. He will call you, persuade you, and allure you back into His arms.