Isaiah 15-16

Isaiah 15:1 NIV

A prophecy against Moab:
Ar in Moab is ruined,
destroyed in a night!
Kir in Moab is ruined,
destroyed in a night!

Isaiah 16:11 NIV

My heart laments for Moab like a harp,
my inmost being for Kir Hareseth.

Isaiah 15-16 is a prophecy against Moab. Because of their sin, arrogance and false worship they will be brought down. Their wealth will fail them. Their gods will not answer them. Their arrogance will prove empty. This raises the question of whether God takes pleasure in the judgement he brings. The answer appears to be, "No." Verse 11 says, "My heart laments Moab..." Her destruction is sure. God's judgment is determined, but that does not mean that we should take pleasure in her pain.

We give lip service to the idea of hating the sin but loving the sinner but I wonder whether we really mean it or whether we know what that really means. Do we really care about the drunk staggering down the sidewalk or do we just want to avoid him? Do we care about the homosexual dying of AIDS or do we just think that she deserves it? Are we concerned about the soul of a mass murderer as the lethal injection is administered or do we celebrate his death? These are not easy questions. The answers are even more difficult. They reveal as much about our heart as they do about the depravity of the sinner being judged.

Father, I have to confess that it is much easier for me to give lip service to the idea of hating the sin and loving the sinner than it is to actually do it. Today may I love the things you love and hate the things you hate. But, may I never love the things you hate and hate the things you love.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert
District Superintendent
EFCA Northern Mtn District