Ep 788 – Isaiah 22:15-25

Authority, power, influence. Everybody wants these things, but few people can handle them. They can become a powerful temptation in the life of any man or woman, causing them to turn inwardly and to seek profit from their position. It can be quite easy to succumb to the lure of lust that so often accompanies a position of authority. With great power comes great responsibility. But that responsibility is to be outwardly focused. It conveys the idea of using your power and position to better the lives of those under your care. But in Isaiah 22:15-25, we are going to get a real-life lesson from a man who let his power go to his head. He used and abused his authority in such a way that it led to God to remove him. He was replaced and, while his successor proved to be a much better leader who used his newfound power more justly and selflessly, he too would eventually give in to the temptation to use his power for self-advancement. The two men we will see in this passage were representatives of the king who had a responsibility to use their power and position for the betterment of the kingdom. But they failed. As believers, we represent the King of kings on this earth. How well are we using the power and authority left to us by Jesus Christ?