Today's Scripture Reading (September 9, 2023): Isaiah 46
A recent political discussion revealed the difference
between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. I have admitted that I would rather see
someone else replace both of these leaders in the 2024 election. Electing
either of these men to a second term seems fraught with unnecessary risk. From
my humble spot as a political observer, it appears this is the perfect storm as
one unelectable politician confronts another politician who is just an
unelectable. But the reality is that I am in the minority. Most Democrats believe
that Joe Biden cannot lose to Donald Trump. With these two men on the ballot,
why would anyone vote for Donald Trump?
I know the answer to the Democratic question. On the
other side of the equation stand people just like the Democrats, except that
they like Donald Trump. They are not just putting up with him because no one
else has been able to rise to importance to take the throne; in fact, most
Republicans aren't looking for someone else, just like most Democrats aren't
looking for someone to replace President Biden. Republicans like Donald Trump,
and they can't imagine why anyone would vote for Joe Biden. And so, we are
setting up for an election fight between two mortally wounded politicians. What
is going to make this election special is that these two Presidents are facing
off with the only politician on the planet that they can beat, just because
neither Democrats nor Republicans are willing to say goodbye to yesterday.
Neither are who the people need, but that apparently doesn't matter.
Isaiah talks about the gods Bel and Nebo, prophesying
that they will be defeated. But the story doesn't end there. These gods were
about to go into captivity with those who worshipped them. Not only could they
not save their worshippers from what was coming, but they were also unable to
save themselves. (I will be brutally honest: we can put Joe Biden and Donald
Trump into this category. They, and every other politician, are entirely unable
to do what we want and need them to do. The contemporary politician doesn't
even try. It is enough for them to do what the populace wants in hopes of re-election
to their political post. And that is seldom what we need.)
Israel had been taken into captivity. But Isaiah's
point is that the reason for their exile is not the impotence of their God. And
Yahweh did not enter into captivity with Israel. All of this should have given
Israel hope because it meant that God could still save them. And even in our
darkest moments and with an unpopular leader, he can still save us.
Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 47
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