Speaking "Woe"

Today's readings come from Isaiah 28, 29, 30

Each of these chapters contains various statements about nations, leaders, people in the population - but none are gratifying. In fact, the common trait is the use of the word "woe". It is a Hebrew word that many of us are familiar with: "HOY" as in "Hoy vey".

It is an expression primarily of exasperation rather than judgement. Most of what we think of when we hear the phrase is Jesus' comments to the scribes and Pharisees in Matt. 23 - a long litany of "woes" that can't help make any of us feel quite uncomfortable. Now, some might approach it as a "yeah Jesus...go get em", but I think given the nature of my own self, I'll prefer to take the "me too, Lord, please forgive" approach.

Isaiah's "woes" are simple. God is exasperated with leaders, nations, people who are fickle in their faith and allegiances. They maintain an outward semblance of religiosity, but there is no inward heart of faith: Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)
13 The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.


Yet even in the middle of strong words of warning there is hope:

Isaiah 28:16 (NIV)
16 So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

SO...there's a choice presented, and it seems just as relevant today as then: Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

Peace