Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, Palm branch and bulrush in one day. The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, Nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; For everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, And every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. For wickedness burns as the fire; It shall devour the briers and thorns, And kindle in the thickets of the forest; They shall mount up like rising smoke.
Isaiah 9:14-18 NKJV
In our day –
Do we need to look any further for the head of the dragon that hunts and kills and oppresses the weak and the innocent than the strong leaders who profit from wickedness, deceit, and from creating and maintaining division between the people?
Do we need to look any further for the tail, than to those who make merchandise and tradition and religion and self righteousness and lasciviousness and worldliness from the Good News of Jesus Christ who died and is risen to life?
Or are we ourselves satisfied and comfortable in the belly of the beast?
Will we cry out to God like Jonah so that we may be spit out from the lukewarm waters of its gut, to stand firm upon the foundation?
Will we go and fulfill our call?
Even when they turn to destruction all around us, will we persevere?
Do you seek a reward, a position, a lofty title, prosperity, health, pleasure – what will you trade for your life?
What will you take in trade for your God?
No, remain steadfast in Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in His people.
Harold J. Ballinger 