Monday 28 November 2022

Psalm 8

Background

Most of our readings this week are from the early chapters of Isaiah, so a little context may be helpful. The prophet Isaiah lived in the second half of the 8th century BC and it was King Uzziah’s death in 740 BC that ended half a century of peace and 'good times' for both Israel and Judah. The Assyrians threatened Jerusalem and in 735 King Ahaz of Judah was given the chance of joining the coalition of the northern kingdom of Israel, along with Syria, to repel the Assyrian invaders. On behalf of the southern kingdom of Judah, Ahaz refused, choosing to accept Assyrian rule over his land. In the north, Israel and Syria were subsequently defeated by the Assyrians; to the south, King Ahaz had relative peace, but helplessly saw his own lands ravished and trashed by invaders, with Jerusalem alone left standing.

In today’s reading, Isaiah the prophet confronts King Ahaz with his rejection of relying on God, instead opting for the mockery of a political alliance to ‘save’ the nation of Judah. This whole sad state of affairs is a result of the rebellious nations of Israel and Judah, who have turned their back on God and his laws and become “a sinful nation, people laden with iniquity.”(v. 4).

In the same verse we read Isaiah’s condemnation of corrupt practices, of people “who have “forsaken the Lord, who have despised the Holy One of Israel, who are utterly estranged!” Isaiah certainly pulls no punches. The situation is likened to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah (two cities destroyed by God for their wickedness) and this insult was meant to hurt.

Even religious practices are criticised. In verse 11, there is a scathing rejection of animal sacrifices. It seems that Isaiah, on behalf of God, is saying that sacrificial living is rather different to any amount of animal sacrifice; that they have knowingly rebelled against God’s laws (v. 2); that their disobedience in the eyes of God has resulted in this disastrous desolation at the hands of foreigners (v. 7).

Where in this reading is there a glimmer of hope? It is found in verse 9, where we read that indeed there were 'a few survivors' who followed the ways of the Lord. Even in the midst of such disobedience towards the Holy One of Israel, a few faithful followers have literally kept the faith. The glimmer light is still shining among a small and faithful remnant.

To Ponder:

• One 'fruit of the Spirit' is faithfulness, albeit not usually spoken about as often as others such as love, joy and peace.There are many small church fellowships throughout the world that are real beacons, offering glimmers of hope in their local communities. Call to mind one such group of faithful Christians, and give thanks for their witness.
• Our hymn for today is 'Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes.' (StF 171) As we enter Advent, let us thank God that, even in our darkest moments, God's light still shines if we both welcome God into our lives, and live faithfully with those around us.