The prophet Isaiah has a moral lesson for modern America. Writing to Israel 2700 years ago he speaks with alarm of the rising world power: Assyria. Fierce, warlike and irreverent, they had no fear of the God of Israel. But the God of Israel does not address them in Chapter 1. He speaks to Israel. Previously Israel had been the major power in the region but because of national sin God had diminished their standing in the world. "Your country is desolate," Isaiah writes, "Your cities are burned with fire, your land, strangers devour it in your presence!" Isaiah critiques the society of his time: "Your princes are rebellious and the companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes and follows after rewards. They judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come unto them." And then he threatens them with war unless they reform their ways: "You shall be devoured with the sword," he says. This Thursday night we'll discuss Isaiah's first chapter and see how it relates to our time; on "Jewish Roots", this Thursday at 9:30 EDT. Go to www.scripturesdramatized.com or http://www.www.blogtalkradio.com/fougcrew. LIVE Internet radio! To call with a comment or question: 347-324-5759.
