the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 2
Isaiah 3:7—I will not be an healer:... make me not a ruler of the people.
Generally men aspire to be rulers; the emolument and honor of the position are infinitely attractive. But the prophet supposes a case in which the people gather round one who has saved a little more than the others from the general wreck, and entreat him to assume the responsibility of directing public affairs. But he refuses, not wishing to be involved in the disasters that have swept the fatherland. Isaiah cites this as the most complete evidence of the desperate situation brought about by wrongdoing.
It is the mark of great deterioration in a religious community when none are forthcoming to take responsibility, none who have power to lead. It is a grave sentence, "give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them." Never shrink from assuming any responsibility to which God and the Church evidently call you. It is an easier life to remain among the stunted undergrowth; but if God calls you to be a forest tree, with fast spreading branches, humbly accept the opportunity, and fill up its full measure. His grace is sufficient. Better to fail in a great endeavor than to live safely having evaded the Divine call. Have you bread and clothing? account yourself God’s steward.
What a striking contrast is suggested to the love of Jesus Christ! "He saw that there was no man,... therefore his own arm brought salvation." He knew that if He espoused the cause of our lost race, it would involve Him in the bitterest agony and woe. But He steadfastly set his face to the accomplishment of our redemption: He stood up to plead our cause: and He will not lay down his chosen work until He hath brought judgment unto victory.
