In the opening chapters of the book of Isaiah we are told that God is upset with the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. It is not the places, but the people that God has a problem with. And so, God gives Isaiah these words of judgment to proclaim against them. Our human nature rebels at the idea of God judging people. There are more reasons for that than can be explored in a short devotional like this, but one of the main reasons is pride. Deep down inside the human heart we do not believe that God has a right to judge us.

The Bible teaches clearly that God is opposed to human pride. This is because human pride elevates self above all else, including God. Even in today’s verse we see one of the ways pride shows its grotesque face. In our verse, The Lord is warning the people of judgment because they are redefining what truth is. The Bible tells us that God’s Word is truth (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17). And God’s Word clearly describes what is evil and what is good, what is light and what is dark; what is sweet and what is bitter.

To redefine truth based on your own wisdom or desires is an act of human pride. We see it in our culture today with the attempts to redefine what marriage is. In God’s definition marriage is very good. To expand the definition to include same-sex couples, something God clearly describes as evil, is to arrogantly proclaim that you are wiser than God. It is foolish to think you can add evil to good and come up with something that is good.

In our verse we are told what the destiny is for people who make a life of challenging God’s wisdom with their own, destruction. The word ‘woe’ speaks of impending doom. We don’t like the idea of a loving God destroying people. But here again we are trying to redefine truth. God is loving, but He is also holy and just. His holiness demands justice, but His love offers mercy. This verse is a warning. It is an act of God’s grace that He warns people that they are on a path that leads to destruction. He doesn’t have to warn us. He is also patient; He will wait for us to respond. He doesn’t have to do that either.

Isaiah was given the unpleasant task of warning the people of God that they were in rebellion against God and that a severe consequence was coming. Isaiah was given this word of judgment so that the people could choose to continue in their rebellion and receive the consequence they deserved, or they could repent. If they would repent, God would relent from the judgment He was planning (Jeremiah 18:8). God’s word is truth. Humble yourself before Him and experience the fullness of His grace. Rebel against God’s truth and you will get what you deserve. Jesus, teach us Your truth.

Read: Isaiah 3:1-5:30; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 22:28-29