February 3 - Isaiah 28

Response to yesterday's comments:
Especially with books of prophecy or poetry - don't focus too much on the metaphors.. but the bigger idea. The metaphors are trying to express a bigger idea.. I will try to clarify a few metaphors that are necessary.
-One of the main problems of the Israelites was that they felt that their salvation was secure because they were born into a Jewish family. But it isn't until this faith becomes their own by their own life, that this faith is theirs. So, being born into a Christian family doesn't mean much - except for the fact that your parents are passing down their faith to you. it is up to you to make a decision about it.

Notes on Isaiah 28:
-Ephraim: one of the main tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel. (Ephraim is the name of one of Joseph's sons). Ephraim is used to represent the whole northern kingdom. So when you read "Ephraim" - it basically means the whole northern kingdom.
-Part 1: vv. 1-6 "wreath" is exactly what you think it is but it is a wreath that is worn around your head like a crown. it was the crown of champions... like think of the statues of Grecian heroes.
Israel wears a fake "crown/wreath" and party like they're rock stars.
but God (v. 5) will wear a true crown/wreath...
-Part 2: vv. 7-13 Just because you're a religious leader doesn't mean you're any different. Even the priests and prophets were messed up. Remember, prophet Isaiah and Jeremiah were not liked by Israel or Judah. They were chased and eventually murdered because they spoke the very bad but true news.
-Part 3: vv. 14-22 Now prophet Isaiah turns his attention towards Jerusalem (southern kingdom) -- remember Isaiah is a prophet to the southern kingdom.
The fate of the northern kingdom is set. But the southern kingdom is not doing any better. They will end up like the north if they keep up their ways.
The "scoffers" or mockers were the leaders of Jerusalem who mocked the truth of their destructive ways. They thought they were invincible that Jerusalem would never fall. They mocked God's words... Stop telling us we're sinners.. We "do and do" and we follow "rule and rule" (v. 10)... It's not a religion. It's a trusting relationship with God... They didn't get it.
Stop making your own standards. God sets the standards.
Part 4: vv. 23-29 Now Isaiah uses the metaphor of an uneducated farmer. Even an uneducated farmer knows how to use which tools and how. He doesn't plow forever.. When he sows seeds, he doesn't mix them up.. he doesn't thresh a caraway seed with a sledge (which is small) so it would crush the seed to powder..
Bottom line - if an uneducated farmer gets how to do things the RIGHT way, why can't these religious leaders get it. They just like making up their own rules and doing whatever- however and whenever.

You can't make your own rules...
Today, we like to make our own rules. We like to get married the way we like, follow God the way we like.. it's all about me. We live in an "i" culture. iPod, iPad, ibook... iFaith.
Everything is about customizing to fit me. There isn't a righteous judge, a good standard and this is what God is.. God "makes justice the measuring line" (v. 17) and He is the precious cornerstone that keeps everything together. He is solid. He is just. He is right.
Why is it so hard to get that?
Why do we keep insisting that we know better than God?