Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#19]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM CHAOS
Isaiah 3:16
Introduction:
As we look at our chapter 3 verse 16 passage today, I want us to remember the fact that most of us learn our lessons in life from mistakes. We live in a time of chaos; but that doesn’t mean that we can’t serve God in a mighty way. We live in a day and age where our teenagers and children don’t seem to understand respect. We live in a day and age where men aren’t expected to act like men and women aren’t expected to act like women. We have allowed everything to become gender neutral. What has happened? The same thing is happening to the U.S.A. as it was happening in Jerusalem and to Judah. When we abandon God, He will allow things to happen that are not good for us and will lead to our utter destruction.
Isaiah 3:1-8 (NIV)
“See now, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, is about to take from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: all supplies of food and all supplies of water, the hero and warrior, the judge and prophet, the soothsayer and elder, the captain of fifty and man of rank, the counselor, skilled craftsman and clever enchanter. I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them. People will oppress each other-- man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the base against the honorable. A man will seize one of his brothers at his father's home, and say, "You have a cloak, you be our leader; take charge of this heap of ruins!" But in that day he will cry out, "I have no remedy. I have no food or clothing in my house; do not make me the leader of the people." Jerusalem staggers, Judah is falling; their words and deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence.”
There is hope in…
1. Showing respect for others.
The younger generation had lost respect for the older generations in all things. They thought their religious traditions were stupid and out dated. Therefore, they followed the other nation’s religious practices. The younger generation thought their governmental policies and economic policies were outdated so they did their own thing. The result was, no one wanted to lead. They were losing everything.
Isaiah 3:9-15 (NIV)
“The look on their faces testifies against them; they parade their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! They have brought disaster upon themselves. Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done. Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path. The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people. The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: "It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses. What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.”
There is hope in…
2. Doing the right thing.
The younger generations didn’t know right from wrong. It was difficult to live righteous because no one else was. The righteous were outcast but God said He would reward them. It is difficult to do the right thing when there is no incentive to do so. God will allow His people to suffer the consequences of disobedience. Things will grow worse and worse.
Isaiah 3:16-26 (NIV)
“The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the LORD will make their scalps bald." In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle. The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.”
There is hope in…
3. Doing things God’s way.
The women will begin to lead because the men won’t. They will accumulate lots of stuff and will be more concerned about appearance than anything else. When a society becomes gender neutral, you will find a breakdown in leadership in all areas. Men are to be men and women are to be women. God made us different for a reason.
Conclusion:
God says that He will let them continue to go farther away from Him, until they hit bottom and have nothing. The nation will destroy itself. We can see many similarities between Israel and the USA. Christian people have allowed things to get this way. What do we do to not end up like Israel?
