By Craig A. Smith
Literally the text says in vs. 6 “their hesed (covenantal love) is like the flower of the field.” Basically the text says people lack the 'stick-to-it-ness' of God. People are not dependable. People are transitory and powerless. People are like grass which grows up quickly and then is eaten by animals or withers.
But what people does Isaiah have in mind? Both Israel and her oppressors. No one is a match for God. In fact a mere breath from the Lord will cause them to wither. God is assuring Israel one more time that He is infinitely greater than they are and infinitely more powerful than Babylon. If they trust Him they can overcome together their oppressors.
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But it is so easy for us people to be intimidated. When we look at the outside people can seem to be a formidable opponent. But God is saying they are like grass that withers. Remember Saddam Hussein appeared so powerful but in no time he withered into the floor of a hut. The leaders of Romania and Yugoslavia discovered how impotent they were when the people stood united against their regimes. At the Nuremburg trial of the Nazis one man testifying against a former head of a concentration camp collapsed because he was surprised to see that this old man looked so normal and small and not at all like the monster he had created in his mind.
Yet, like Israel, we too can sit paralyzed wondering if God can change or overcome our past or present circumstances. In the face of our present and past we wonder if we can hope.
Some here struggle with acceptance before God. You soon discover that a lot of your identity is wrapped up in how well you perform at work or home, what grade you get for a module, how together you look among your peers, how much praise you get for your accomplishments. You know that this is crippling you. Can you and I hope for change?
Some here struggle because you know you are facing the prospect of being single.
Some are struggling because you living in a difficult marriage. What does hope look like for you?
Some here silently bear with a hidden sin or pain which you think makes you unacceptable to God and others around you.
Some live with unrealized hopes; the hope to hear your father say “I love you,” the hope to have a loved one say “I forgive you,” the hope for financial security, the hope for healing for yourself or others etc.
When we find ourselves in the same place as Israel we long for a voice, a passionate voice, a voice of compassion and hope, a voice with good news. Then from the distance we here a faint call which grows louder and louder. It comes from a high mountain. It is now loud and clear: “Lift up your voices, do not be afraid, here is your God. See the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.”