In today’s reading (Isaiah 13-17), the prophet proclaims God’s wrath and judgment against sin found in several nations. He exposes sin for what it really is – rebellion against God. It is not just a mistake, a misstep, or (shudder) an inappropriate choice. It is evil to the core because sin acts lawlessly and rejects God as God.
The new normal is sinful
Our society in recent decades has become increasingly comfortable with moral relativism. There are no absolutes, except that one. We do not expect our leaders to be morally upstanding in their personal lives as long as they manage their responsibilities well. We allow our politicians to speak and act in ways that would result in swift punishment if done by our children or students.
The new normal is subnormal and, frankly, sinful, because God’s standards are absolute. He holds all people responsible for their thoughts, words, and actions. Mankind stands under just judgment.
The way out
Only through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s incarnate Son, can we be reconciled to the Judge of all the earth (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Be reconciled to God, if you are not. If you are, walk rejoicing as a new creation in Christ.
[For more reflections on this passage, see the corresponding reading in my book Cover to Cover: Through the Bible in 365 days].
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