Isaiah 22

“And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sackcloth. But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine. ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!’” (Isaiah 22:12–13, NKJV)

Disaster in Jerusalem was looming on the horizon. Judgment was imminent and inevitable. So Isaiah warned the people with tears. He did not want to be comforted because he saw the plundering of the people (v. 4). God called for the Jews to weep, mourn, fast and wear sackcloth. But instead they were celebrating and indulging the flesh. Their attitude was, “Let us eat, drink and live it up, for tomorrow we die!” So God responded, “Till the day you die, you will never be forgiven for this sin.” (v. 14)

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes:

“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2–4, ESV)

Most people would rather feast than fast. They seek their own pleasure rather than pleasing God. But when God determines to bring judgment, only repentance will cause Him to relent. God waits for people to humble themselves and turn from their sins. He is quick to comfort those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). Moreover, He places great responsibility on His people to turn the tide of wickedness in the culture.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT)

Real change begins at the point of godly sorrow. Revival starts with personal dissatisfaction and crying out to God for mercy and help for us and for others. But the flesh wants to party hearty!

So are we feasting in the house of mirth or pleading in the house of mourning?