Isaiah 1:21-26 Devotion

Isaiah 1:21-26 Text

How the faithful city has become a harlot, she who was full of justice! Righteousness once lodged in her, but now murderers. Your silver has become dross, your drink diltued with water. Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; everyone loves a bribe and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, nor does the widow's plea come before them. Therefore the Lord God of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, declares, "Ah, I will be relieved of My adversaries and avenge myself on My foes. I will also turn My hand against you, and will smelt away your dross as with lye and will remove all your alloy. Then I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called the city of righteousness."

Isaiah 1:21-26 Devotion

What stands out here is the definition of what makes a person, city, people, or nation a faithful city or a city of righteousness. This is all very practical stuff. First, we see that the once faithful city is thus no longer but rather a whore. But note at the end of this passage that once again they will be a city of righteousness and that restoration happens. This is encouraging to all people everywhere-- that restoration is possible. However, the process of being made that way appears from this passage to be painful. It is one of discipline.

Note also the things that constitute unfaithfulness as listed here. Namely,

murder: are there any of us who hate others and speak to them or about them as Jesus has forbidden in the Sermon on the Mount?
rebellious rulers: If I am a person of authority am I rebellious against the Lord? What about the rulers in our society?
Loves a bribe: are we easily bought so that others suffer. Do we show favoritism based on favors given to us?
Chases after rewards: do I obey Christ out of love for Him or am I chasing after rewards? Do I do good in order to receive a good pay-off for my good deeds?
Not defending the orphan and widow: this seems to always come up in the OT (and also the NT) and it is time we paid attention to the orphans and the widows and not consider ministry to them as a lower tier of ministry.

Are you faithful? Are you considered righteous? Take a look at this passage to see how God defines such terms. They have to do with action on behalf of others and not treating others badly.