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Isaiah 56 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Here at the end of the chapter, we read that Israel’s irresponsible leaders are the source of their blindness. Anytime that leadership is failing, the people under that leadership have little chance of success. The “watchmen of Israel” were to stand high at their post and direct the people’s choices, attitudes, and behaviors based on what they saw from God. They failed.
In fact, these verses are a scathing judgment against them. The text actually reads “Israel’s watchmen are blind, all of them.” If blindness is the problem, what is the solution? How can they see, and what is causing their blindness?
Many times in this short passage we read that they know nothing. Because of this, they are lacking true wisdom and discernment. They do not understand the critical nature of their blindness. The watchmen have no sense of urgency. Because they do not see the bigger picture, they sleep. When they should be leading and protecting the people, they are dozing off into a complacent and dangerous slumber. What happens when your watchdog is sleeping and the enemy comes knocking? They become useless for the task.
Are we lovers of sleep? Do we comfortably snooze the day away while other perish in our midst? Physical laziness and spiritual complacency are almost always two sides of the same coin. As a result, if you lack the motivation to physically fill your purpose, how are you able to fulfill your spiritual purpose? I have seen this in my life.
When I focus on myself and my desire is for physical comfort, I always lose my motivation and determination for spiritual practices. Whether you are a formal ministry leader or not, you are a saint through Jesus Christ. God equips every saint to do ministry through the gifts given by the person of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual slumber affects people all around you!
Consequently, when you sleep on God, the people close to you will perish. This is a reality in Scripture as it talks all about how the shepherd must defend the flock. Who is your “flock” and where are you becoming drowsy? The good news of the Gospel is the answer to spiritual lethargy. We will find strength, wisdom, and courage in the grace of Jesus Christ so that we can function as His hands and feet today.