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Isaiah 5:22-23 – Bad Fruit: Perverting Authority

Drunkenness, yes, is condemned again in these verses, and it is condemned throughout Scripture. But there is a deeper thing here still. These aren’t ordinary people drinking and drinking to excess. These are the leaders in the community, these are the magistrates. In the Bible, God calls men into positions of rule, power, authority, responsibility, and duty. They are put in these places, so that they will shepherd and lead those under their care, so that God will be glorified. Those who are in the position of authority can’t command you in areas that they’re not allowed to. However, where all is being exercised properly, where they are ruling in a godly way, those under them must obey. For all those in positions of authority, one of their great responsibilities is protection. The magistrate is to protect. He is to be mighty in promoting justice, in protecting people from criminals and from the wicked within, and he is to be valiant in defending from enemies on the outside. That’s not what we see here. These magistrates, these rulers in Jerusalem and Judah are being mighty, but not mighty to protect people from the wicked. They are mighty to drink. But there is worse. They’re seeing their power as a way to get more things. They justify the wicked. In their courts, they ignore his sin and say he is innocent. They justify the wicked for bribe and take away justice from the righteous man.

Are you in a place of rule, power, and authority? You’re given that position by God, so you can lead God’s people into more Godliness, more kingdom faithfulness, more usefulness for Jesus Christ. You are not given that rule, so you can lord it over them. You are not given that authority, so you can be on a power trip. You are not given that power, in order that it be abused. Should you do this, there will be woe. If you ignore your responsibility and duty, Jesus will hold you to it.

Question

  1. What is the bad fruit described here?
  2. What is your responsibility if you are in a position of authority?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.