Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. (NIV)
This chapter illustrates a struggle that is very real and difficult for me to reconcile. Commentary declares that if a church member is unrepentant, members might need to push him out of the church’s protection. And while I am certainly not advocating that the church celebrates sin, if a sinner can’t find grace within the church, where is he supposed to find it?
Isaiah 5:21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. (NLT)
My reading just before this chapter today was in John 13. Verse 1 says, “…having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” Jesus knew Judas would betray Him. Yet He washed his feet and shared bread and wine with him at the Last Supper. He loved him to the end. I can’t reconcile that treatment of Judas with the advice to push an unrepentant sinner outside of the church’s circle. Jesus, Help me.
Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (ERV)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for scripture that causes me to study and struggle to make sense of it in light of what I know to be true. Thank You for Your grace, which covers me. I am a sinner saved by Your grace, Lord. Help me to love like You love. Draw me closer. Amen.
Isaiah 5:21 You are doomed! You think you are wise, so very clever. (GNT)
Have a blessed day.