We Need To Blow The Trumpet

With the ancient method of calling people to attention Isaiah speaks God’s displeasure:

Shout out, do not hold back!

   Lift up your voice like a trumpet!

Announce to my people their rebellion,

   to the house of Jacob their sins. 

As we continue to read, what we begin to understand is that there is clearly the activity of falseness, and hypocritical behavior going in among those who profess a righteous faith in God.

The problem with reading this text in todays culture is that fasting is not all that common of a ritual.  

So lets just assume that, “fast,” here means any manner of sacrifice in God’s name.

The terms the commentator use for what God is displeased with are: Hypocritical, insincerity, evil and mean behavior.

Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush,

   and to lie in sackcloth and ashes?

Will you call this a fast,

   a day acceptable to the Lord?

While appearing — appearing — to follow all of the correct rituals, they are in all way ignoring the needs, wishes and opinions of others.

Now it is true that all of us are tempted — and do satisfy — our own interest, our own wants and opinions.  That is just a basic human characteristic.  

It is just the truth in full disclosure.

However there is a huge difference between satisfying our desires in a quiet un-public way; and doing so at the cost of many.

That is, doing things and making decisions that cause harm and hurt to others and/or compromising the security of large populations.  As well as disrespecting the lives of those who do not have the power, or the means, to defend themselves or their loved ones.

Call me idealistically realistic, but I am pretty sure that God is clear about the importance of working with and for others. 

So then for others to dominate and misuse their power is not at all that favorable to God.

Here is the truth as I see it:  Our world has become increasingly use to how money and power have taken over the major government organizations of the world.

So when i heard Isaiah 58 this past Sunday I thought to myself:  We need to blow the trumpets of warning in the world market.  We need to call people back again to the ways of God.

How do we do that?  

I have now idea!

That is why I am writing this blog.  It is my only place to express my feelings.