Isaiah 32  The writings of Isaiah continue to vacillate between the present ( of Judah) .. filled with sin and its consequences .. and the glorious future, when "a king will reign.."  As much as we want to just think about that wonderful day, we need to hear what God has to say about Judah.. for their sins are also ours. 

In Judah's day:

The fool was called noble. The rogue was called generous. 

The fool spoke nonsense and inclined his heart "towards wickedness."

He practiced ungodliness and spoke "error against the Lord."

He kept the needy hungry and thirsty. 

He used evil as a weapon.

He devised evil schemes. 

The women of Judah were called "complacent".  Because they would not listen or rise up against the wickedness..  they would watch as their vines wilted and their fields dried up. They would see only "thorns and briars" growing in their gardens.  The city would be abandoned . There would be no more joy... except for the wild donkeys.. 

God proclaims that those who deal treacherously would be dealt with in the same way.  Brave men would cry in the streets. Highways would be desolate.   Because  they had "no regard for man.".. everything would be consumed.

Sin's consequences will always be destruction and death. It happened in the past and it will happen again.. here and now.  It is a tragedy that we see unfolding right before our own eyes. 

Thankfully, we have the same promises that God gave to Judah, the promise of a day that is coming when the Lord will create a new heaven and a new earth... and the old will be no more. 

The King, Jesus, will reign.

Princes will "rule justly".

We will find refuge, shelter, "like streams of water in a dry country, like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land." 

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, "and the mind of the hasty will discern the truth." 

"Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness will abide in the fertile field. and the world of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever."

As we wait for that day, we can pray, like Isaiah.. "O Lord be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be [our] strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of distress.. "

"The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on High; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He shall be the stability of your times. A wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge ; The fear of the Lord is [our] treasure." 

Father, You are our Everlasting Rock and we lean wholly on You. Be our strength. Be our guide. Let Your will be done on earth... now.. as it is in heaven. Stop the foolish and the wicked from their evil plans. Open our eyes that we might discern truth and have understanding. We take refuge in You for we trust You with all of our hearts.  We wait for You with hope, trusting in Your great goodness.  Bless us, we pray, with Your Presence and be gracious to us, according to Your great Name..  in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.