God’s Anger (Isaiah 9:8-10:4)

Good morning, church. As we settle in today, I want you to think about something. Have you ever watched a movie where the main character is clearly making the wrong decisions, and you're just sitting there, yelling at the screen, "Don't do it! Turn around!"? That urge to see them make the right decision, to avoid the impending disaster, is overwhelming. And sometimes, that character listens and changes course. But other times, they seem to push the envelope, as if testing the limits of their own recklessness.

Now, imagine that movie is actually a snapshot of history. A living, breathing account of people, very much like us, making choices that would either align them with God's will or push them further into rebellion. This is where we find ourselves today, diving into the book of Isaiah.

Our passage, Isaiah 9:8 to 10:4, depicts God's people in a state of rebellion. And just like that character in the movie, they have a choice to make. But instead of a movie screen separating us, it's the span of time. Still, their choices mirror our own. They challenge God’s patience, seeking comfort in their own strength and wisdom, often overlooking the impending consequences.

As we navigate this text, let's ask ourselves: How do we see our own reflection in the Israelites' rebellion? And more importantly, what can we learn about God’s heart and His relentless pursuit of His people, even when they drift away?

1. "We will be fine" (Isaiah 9:8-12)

Isaiah 9:8–12 (ESV) — 8 The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; 9 and all the people will know, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: 10 “The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” 11 But the Lord raises the adversaries of Rezin against him, and stirs up his enemies. 12 The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

In today's age of instant gratification and constant reassurances, a common refrain echoes: "It's all good. We'll be fine." This sentiment can be comforting, but it's also dangerous when it masks the reality of our rebellion against God. Let's see how the people of Israel did something eerily similar in Isaiah 9:8-12.

Reading from verses 8 to 12, we see the Lord sending a message against Jacob. This isn’t just a casual note or a simple warning; it falls on Israel heavily. Yet, what's their response? They display a prideful attitude, boasting about their strength and resilience. They claim that though bricks have fallen, they'll rebuild with dressed stones, that sycamores are cut down, but they'll replace them with cedars. It's as if they’re saying, "Bring it on! We'll bounce back stronger."

There’s an arrogance here that’s palpable. They believed that their own strength, their own ingenuity, would save them. Instead of turning to God, acknowledging their sins and seeking His mercy, they doubled down on their own capabilities. It's the ancient equivalent of saying, "We got this. We don’t need God."

But here’s the kicker: The latter part of verse 12 should make us pause. It reveals that their enemies are poised on all sides, and yet, Israel remains defiant and unbowed. They're surrounded, and the odds aren’t in their favor, but they cling to self-reliance.

Church, don't miss this. How often do we do the same? When life’s bricks fall, when our plans crumble, we might rely on our resources, our networks, or our sheer willpower, thinking, “I'll be fine.” But in doing so, we could be ignoring the very One who desires to be our refuge and strength.

It’s not that God doesn’t want us to be resilient or resourceful. But He does desire for us to recognize that true strength, genuine security, comes from Him. When we say, "We will be fine" without acknowledging God's place in our lives, we're treading on dangerous grounds. What if God is chastening us and we are missing the lesson like Israel?

Today, let's reflect: Where are we placing our trust? In our abilities? In our resources? Or in the Almighty God who desires nothing more than a repentant and reliant heart? The choice is ours.

In this section of Isaiah, a haunting refrain reverberates: God's anger does not relent. Time and again, we're confronted with the stark reality that God's righteous indignation is not easily quenched when met with persistent rebellion. The Israelites, despite warning after warning, chose defiance over submission, pride over humility. And in response, the Lord's anger did not wane. This unyielding response might be jarring to some, but it underscores a profound truth: God's holy nature demands justice and cannot tolerate continued rebellion. It serves as a sobering reminder that without genuine repentance and humble submission, we risk invoking the righteous anger of an almighty God. This isn't about a God who's eager to punish, but rather about a God whose holiness requires a just response to willful defiance.

2. "We seek men, not God" (Isaiah 9:13-17)

Isaiah 9:13–17 (ESV) — 13 The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts. 14 So the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in one day— 15 the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail; 16 for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. 17 Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men, and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

In an era where celebrities are revered, influencers are sought after for guidance, and we constantly lean into human expertise, we find a reflection of ourselves in the Israelites of Isaiah's time. Let's delve into verses 13-17 and uncover the profound truth hidden within.

These verses paint a vivid picture: Despite all the warnings, the people did not turn back to the One who could save them. Instead of seeking the Lord Almighty, they looked elsewhere for solace. Their gaze wasn't upward, towards the heavens, but horizontally, towards fellow men. They sought comfort in their leaders and false prophets, those who might offer them soothing words or a way out of their predicaments.

Verse 16 is especially striking: "Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray." Isn't that a cautionary tale for our times? How often do we, too, look for direction from those who themselves are lost? How often do we value the opinions of men more than the Word of God? Whether it's a motivational speaker, a popular author, or even political leaders, we sometimes give undue weight to human voices, all the while muffling the gentle whisper of God.

But the repercussions of such choices are clear. The young and the old, the vulnerable, and those who should know better—all of them suffer because of this misplaced trust. They become like leaves in a forest during a violent storm, aimlessly blown away, disconnected from their roots.

Church, this should serve as a wake-up call. God has given us discernment, wisdom, and above all, His Word. Why then do we sideline Him, treating Him as just another voice among the cacophony of opinions? Why is our first instinct to dial a friend or Google a solution, rather than kneel in prayer?

Today, let's challenge ourselves: Are we guilty of seeking men over God? Are we building our lives on shifting sands of popular opinion, or on the solid rock of God's eternal truth? Remember, the voices of this world might be loud, but only one voice offers eternal security, guidance, and love. Let's attune our ears and hearts to that voice.

There it is again. God’s anger will not relent or turn away. He’s not going to stop punishing and pursuing his people until they give in or are destroyed. Seeking a foolish man’s help will not turn his anger away.

3. Their wickedness destroys (Isaiah 9:18-21)

Isaiah 9:18–21 (ESV) — 18 For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns; it kindles the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke. 19 Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land is scorched, and the people are like fuel for the fire; no one spares another. 20 They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry, and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied; each devours the flesh of his own arm, 21 Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

Have you ever observed how a single spark can rapidly grow, consuming everything in its path, turning a verdant forest into charred ruins? Isaiah 9:18-21 paints a similarly bleak picture, using the imagery of a consuming fire to convey the devastating impact of wickedness within a community. Let’s uncover the message within these verses.

The text begins with wickedness burning like a fire, consuming thorns and briers. At first glance, we might think, "Well, thorns and briers are harmful. Isn’t it good that they're burned away?" But as the passage unfolds, the destructive nature of this fire becomes clear. It isn't just a purifying fire; it's an all-consuming blaze that engulfs everything in its wake.

Verse 19 gives a chilling account: "The people are fuel for the fire." The very wickedness that the Israelites entertained and nurtured turned against them, consuming their society from within. It wasn’t an external enemy that wreaked havoc—it was their own choices, their own sins. The result? Brother turned against brother, neighbor against neighbor, leading to mutual destruction.

Church, this isn’t just ancient history—it’s a mirror reflecting our own communities and societies. How often do we see strife, discord, and conflict fueled by unchecked sin and wickedness? How often do we witness families torn apart, friendships shattered, and communities divided because of choices rooted in pride, envy, or malice?

The reality is, when we entertain sin, we're playing with fire—literally. And like any fire, if it's not contained, it will spread, causing destruction far beyond its point of origin. Our seemingly small and personal choices can have a ripple effect, impacting those around us in ways we might never have imagined.

Today, let’s reflect: Are there areas in our lives where we're playing with the fire of sin, thinking we can contain it? Are we nurturing choices that can cause pain and destruction to ourselves and those around us? It’s time to douse those flames, to turn to the Living Water that can quench every destructive fire and heal every scar. It’s time to choose life, healing, and wholeness over momentary pleasures that lead to lasting pain.

Again, we read, “For all this his anger has not turned away.” But there's a deeper message here: the heart of God. It's clear that God doesn't delight in judgment or destruction. He longs for repentance, for His people to turn from their wicked ways and seek His face. He wants his anger to turn away, but they won’t let it. When rebellion continues unchecked, the consequences are inevitable.

4. Woe to the wicked (Isaiah 10:1-4)

Isaiah 10:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, 2 to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! 3 What will you do on the day of punishment, in the ruin that will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth? 4 Nothing remains but to crouch among the prisoners or fall among the slain. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

In the hallowed halls of justice, we hope for fairness, for righteousness to be upheld. But imagine a world where laws are made to oppress, where the innocent are crushed, and the marginalized are further pushed to the periphery. That's the world Isaiah brings to our attention in this passage.

As we explore Isaiah 10:1-4, we find a grievous account of leaders and lawmakers enacting unjust laws and issuing oppressive decrees. These aren't random acts of cruelty but rather premeditated, systematic ways to prey on the weak and needy. The description is chilling: they deprive the poor of their rights, withhold justice from the oppressed, and rob the fatherless.

This isn't just a failure of governance; it's a moral and spiritual failure. The very individuals entrusted with the sacred duty to protect and serve are the ones causing pain and hardship. Woe to them, declares the Lord.

Now, it might be tempting to distance ourselves from this passage, to think, "Well, I'm not a lawmaker. This doesn't apply to me." But let's pause and reflect deeper. The essence of this message isn't just about formal laws and decrees. It's about the power dynamics we encounter daily, the choices we make, and the impact we have on others.

Do our actions, directly or indirectly, push others down or lift them up? Do we make decisions considering only our gain, or do we contemplate the broader impact on the community, especially the vulnerable? These are tough questions, but essential ones.

The passage concludes with a stark warning. A day of reckoning is coming, a day when those who perpetrate injustice cannot hide from the consequences of their actions. They might ask, "Where will we turn for help?" But there will be none to save them.

Today, let us be challenged: Are we enjoying and amplifying the power dynamics of our time? Are we passive observers, or are we active advocates for justice? I know that sounds woke, but I’m not giving you a political speech. This is a statement about true righteousness. There isn’t a political system that advocates this. They use elements of truth to gain a following. I’m promoting it to align our hearts. Remember, it's not just about the grand gestures, but the daily choices that align our hearts with God's. In a world marred by injustice, let us be the light that points to the ultimate Judge, the source of true and lasting justice.

His anger does not turn away because they refuse to listen and change. Don’t let that be you.

5. Why do we push the envelope?

If we've learned anything from our dive into Isaiah, it's the glaring reality of how easily and deeply humanity can drift from God, even with ample warning. It begs the question: Why? Why would anyone knowingly walk a path leading to destruction? Why push the envelope when the stakes are eternal?

To answer this, let's first acknowledge a hard truth: Rebellion isn't just an external act; it begins internally, in the heart. Scripture reminds us that the heart is deceitful above all things. Within it lies a complex web of desires, fears, pride, and ambitions that can cloud our judgment.

Pride and Self-Reliance: The Israelites' attitude of "We will rebuild with hewn stones" captures this perfectly. A belief that we can handle whatever life throws at us, without divine intervention, is both arrogant and naive.

Desire for Autonomy: At our core, there's a desire to be in control, to be the master of our destiny. This illusion of autonomy convinces us that we know better than our Creator. It's the echo of that ancient whisper in Eden, "You will be like God."

Cultural Conformity: Sometimes, it's simply about fitting in. When rebellion becomes the cultural norm, standing firm in righteousness can feel isolating. The pressure to conform, to be part of the majority, can lead even the faithful astray.

Immediate Gratification: We live in a world of now. Instant pleasures, quick fixes, and shortcuts are everywhere. The allure of immediate rewards often blinds us to long-term consequences. It's the proverbial trading of our birthright for a bowl of stew.

Spiritual Amnesia: Often, we forget. We forget God's past faithfulness, His miracles, His provisions, and His warnings. This spiritual amnesia weakens our resolve to stay true to Him. It makes us liable to God’s judgment.

So, how do we guard against these tendencies?

Firstly, by maintaining a posture of humility, recognizing that we are prone to wander and need God's guidance daily. Secondly, by immersing ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to be the lamp unto our feet. And lastly, by fostering authentic, accountable relationships within the body of Christ, where we are reminded, rebuked, and encouraged to walk in righteousness.

Church, the journey of faith isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. There will be moments of weakness, times when we're tempted to push the envelope. But remember this: God's love for us is relentless. Even in our rebellion, His arms remain open, beckoning us to return. Let's be vigilant, be aware of our tendencies, and choose, every day, to draw closer to Him rather than drift away.

Conclusion: The Sovereign God Amidst a Rebellious World

As we draw our reflections on Isaiah to a close, let’s take a moment to center ourselves on a truth that has echoed through the ages: Our world, not unlike Isaiah’s, is filled with voices that mock, challenge, and rebel against God's authority. Everywhere we turn, we see signs of a world pushing back against its Creator. And yet, amidst all this noise, the throne of heaven is not empty. It never has been, and it never will be.

God is sovereign. Despite the rebellion, the wickedness, the chaos we've delved into, this truth remains unshaken. The universe's Creator, the one who set the stars in their courses and knows each one by name, is the same God who watches over us, even in the most tumultuous of times.

God’s sovereignty isn’t just about His control; it's about His character. A character marked by justice, righteousness, and unparalleled love. While He will deal with wickedness and rebellion, He also extends grace, mercy, and an invitation for restoration.

We've seen the choices the Israelites made, the path they tread, and we’ve recognized reflections of ourselves in their story. But let’s not forget the broader narrative. History isn’t a tale of humanity's rebellion; it's the story of God's redemption. Every chapter, every twist and turn, points to a God who's working all things together for good.

So, Church, as we step out into our world, let's carry this assurance in our hearts: Though the earth may shake, and the mountains fall into the sea, our God remains unmovable. The wicked might have their moment, but God's justice will prevail. In the face of overwhelming odds, let’s be a people of hope, anchored not in our circumstances but in the unchanging nature of our sovereign God.

Let us remember that our God is not a passive observer. He's actively involved, weaving a tapestry of redemption, even out of our brokenness. And while the world may shout in rebellion, our call is to stand firm, echoing the truth of God's sovereign love and grace. We know that God is patiently waiting for men to repent.

Let’s leave today, not weighed down by the challenges, but uplifted by the knowledge that our God reigns supreme. And in His sovereignty, there's safety, purpose, and an eternal promise of hope. Amen.