Isaiah 9:8-21  "The Lord sends a message against Jacob, and it falls on Israel."  There are three judgements, each followed by these words, "In spite of this His anger does not turn away, and His hand is still stretched out." ( v12,17, 21)   The sins of Israel had caught up with them.   After Israel and Judah divided into two separate countries, Israel had 18 kings.. each one evil. Each one more prideful and arrogant than the one before. 

Verses 9-12 describe this arrogance - even when the evidence of God's judgement was right before their eyes.. "the bricks have fallen down.. the sycamores have been cut down.. "  They boasted of rebuilding.  They would come back better, stronger..   But, God was done with giving them any more warnings - He sent the Arameans and the Philistines to "devour Israel with gaping jaws."  And it happened just as He said. 

And even after this.. "the people do not turn back to Him who struck them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts." 

Verses 14-17 - The judgement of God affects everyone. "So the Lord cuts off head and tail from Israel." The "head is the elder".. the tail is "the prophet who teaches falsehood."  The leaders "who guide this people are leading them astray."  The people who follow these corrupt leaders "are brought to confusion." He says, "..every one of them is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth is speaking foolishness."  Doesn't matter how powerful, rich, famous, or successful you are by the world's standards.. God will judge all who sin and fail to repent or put their faith in Jesus Christ. 

This makes me think of Romans 1: 21-32  "For even though they knew God they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise they became fools... "  

"They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for and image..."

".. they exchanged the truth of God for a lie.. " 

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things not proper...

".. and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them." 

It was true in ancient Israel.  It was the same in the Roman Empire.  It is the same in America today.  We also have godless, evil,  and foolish leaders who are encouraging morally corrupt practices and leading people into confusion and into practices that are "worthy of death."  Lord, help us!

Verses18-21  The Lord's anger will "burn up" the land and the people who are "like fuel for the fire.   Brother will fight brother.  People will eat their own flesh and blood.  There is no hope, no mercy, and no love.  And God's hand is still "stretched out". 

Like Israel, people today think that God is not watching and certainly wouldn't be angry at them!  But, they are wrong.  The psalmist wrote this.. "They say, 'the Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.' And when will you understand, stupid ones? He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath."  ( Psalm 94:7-11)

Father in heaven, You are the God of vengeance. You are God - a consuming fire!  We must not forget that truth, lest we forget that You have told us to fear You.. for that is the beginning of wisdom.  Otherwise.. we are completely foolish and stupid.  Your anger is righteous. Your judgements are perfect.  You know those who are Yours and You have granted us repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was slain for our sins. We place our trust in the perfection of His sacrifice on our behalf. Thank You Lord. Father, we live in a world that is corrupt and full of sin. We pray for Your help.  We pray for revival!  We wonder, like the psalmist, "How long will the wicked exult?"  But, we also echo his statements of faith.. "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul... the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." Jesus, wonderful, counselor, mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace, we fix our eyes on You.  Be glorified in all the earth we pray. May Your Name be proclaimed boldly across the nation and around the world today.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.