Reaping Bitter Fruit

Idolatry and dishonesty cannot produce a healthy society. Because of resorting to such measures, the unfaithful Jews are now reaping the trouble that they themselves  have sown. We read: "The eggs of a poisonous snake  are what they have hatched, and they kept weaving the mere cobweb of  a spider.  Anyone eating some of their eggs would die, and the egg that was smashed would be hatched into a viper."  (Isaiah 59:5) From conception to realization, Judah's schemes produce nothing substantial. Their wrong thinking results only in bad, just as the eggs of a poisonous snake produce  only poisonous snakes. And the nation suffers.

Some inhabitants of Judah may resort to violence in an effort to protect themselves, but they will fail.  Physical force cannot replace trust in Jehovah and works of righteousness as protection any more than cobwebs can replace real fabric as protection against the elements.  Isaiah declares: 'Their mere cobweb will not serve as a garment; nor will they cover themselves with their works.  Their works are hurtful works, and the activity of violence is in their palms.  Their own feet keep running to sheer badness, and they are in a hurry to shed innocent blood.  Their thoughts are hurtful thoughts; despoiling  and breakdown are in their highways." (Isaiah 59:6, 7)  Judah's thinking is flawed. By resorting to violence to try to solve her problems, she demonstrates an ungodly attitude.  It matters little to her that many of her victims are innocent and that some are genuine servants of God.

These inspired words remind us of the bloody record of Christendom. Surely, Jehovah will call her to account for her tragic misrepresentation of Christianity!  Like the Jews of Isaiah's day, Christendom has pursued a morally twisted course because her leaders believe it to be the only practical one.  While they talk of peace, they act with injustice. What duplicity!  Since Christendom's leaders continue using this tactic, true peace will remain beyond their grasp.  it is as the prophecy goes on to say:  "The way of peace  they have ignored, and there  is no justice in their tracks.  Their roadways they have made crooked for themselves.  No one at all treading in them will actually know peace." - Isaiah 59:8.

Next time: Wandering in Spiritual Darkness

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001