The Complete Jewish Bible arranges the books in the Old Testament a bit differently than what we are used to.. so following II Kings, we find the prophets beginning with Isaiah, who began his ministry during the time of Uzziah and continued until the days of Hezekiah.  He was there when the kingdom of Israel was captured by Assyria.  He saw what was happening to Judah.  The powerful messages of Isaiah are not only warnings for Judah, but for us as well. Just as the messages of hope, redemption, and restoration, through Jesus Christ, our Messiah, are powerful reminders that God is still in control and will complete what He has planned - in Israel and in us. 

Isaiah 1:1-4  Isaiah's vision begins with an indictment - the charges against Judah are set forth by the Lord Himself:

 "Sons I have reared and brought up, but they have revolted against Me."  The charge is rebellion. The defendants are God's own children.  The Lord compares them negatively to animals -who know their own owners and can find their ways to their homes - "But Israel does not know, My people do not understand."

Rebellion is the result of a lack of knowledge and understanding - of who we are and of Who God is.  Because of this lack.. Israel had become a "sinful nation".  A nation "weighed down by iniquity."  Corruption and evil were being handed down from one generation to the next. 

"They have abandoned Adonai, spurned the Holy One of Israel, turned their backs on Him!" 

This indictment could be charged just as well on America today.  I think it is fair to say that there is a great lack of knowledge and understanding of God, His Word, and His coming judgement of sin, in our country today.  We have seen God's Word removed from schools, government institutions, and public arenas.  We are seeing the Holy One of Israel spurned.. ignored.. and denied. We are a nation weighed down by iniquity. We have come to the place where sin is accepted and even exalted in some ways. The words of the Lord spoken by Isaiah are warnings and exhortations to us.. to our nation..just as they were in the days they were originally written. 

Father in heaven, You have spoken and You are speaking still.. may we have ears to hear and hearts to receive all that You want to say to us today.  With the psalmist I pray, "Don't count our past iniquities against us, but let Your compassion come quickly to meet us, for we have been brought very low. Help us God of our salvation, for the sake of the glory of Your name. Deliver us, forgive our sins for Your name's sake. " ( Psalm 79:8-9 CJB)  We need You, Lord God, for You alone can bring us out of this rebellion and sin.  May the Word of God spread rapidly.. run freely and be glorified in our land.  Direct our hearts into Your love and into the steadfastness of our Lord Jesus.  May our nation join herself to You and be Your people.  We put our hope and our trust in You, Lord. All things are in Your hands and we know that You will complete all that You have promised. Our eyes are turned to You and we give You thanks and praise, in the name of Jesus, our Mighty King and Deliverer. Amen.