Diluted Righteousness

Isaiah 1:21-23

"See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them."

In the present age of ecumenical anti-judgmentalism Isaiah may have been viewed as a divisive person if he were to point out sin within the religious community today. Many Christians want to feel comfortable in their vain religiosity without someone pointing out the hypocrisy in their lives. In vain do people reckon themselves righteous while willing living a lifestyle of sin. See how the faithful city has become a harlot. For many water down the Christian life with worldliness leading to corruption, and the silver of the Word is not appreciated and doesn't shine through their lives. Though some fall from time to time into sin, yet there are Christians who have prostituted themselves, buying into a lifestyle of sin. These are those who also hate the true Christians as it is written, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother."1John 3:10 and "Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him." 1John 3:15

Here Isaiah speaks also of them in authority. Rulers should uphold the law, but themselves rebel against it. They are motivated out of financial gain or the praise of men. Such has been the case for many a religious leader throughout history. But rather then obsessing over themselves and their position, leaders should primarily concern themselves with the neediest and most dependent under their authority. But such people are often reckoned of little value.

In the New Testament, James writes, "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.  You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you." James 5:1-6

The Boston Christian Bible Study Resources Apr 12,2004