What are the dangers of indulgence as described in Isaiah 56:12? Setting the Scene Isaiah 56 exposes leaders who should have been shepherds but instead chose self-pleasure. Verse 12 captures their mindset: “Come,” they say, “let us get wine, and let us drink our fill of strong drink; and tomorrow will be like today, even far better!” (Isaiah 56:12) Key Dangers of Indulgence • Short-sighted self-gratification – Their rally cry is “Come…let us,” centered entirely on appetite, not on God or people. – Pleasure becomes the organizing principle of life, crowding out higher callings. • Dulling of spiritual perception – Alcohol here pictures anything that numbs holy alertness. – A dull heart cannot hear the Spirit’s warnings (cf. Proverbs 23:29-35). • Complacent presumption about the future – “Tomorrow will be like today, even far better!” reveals a carefree certainty that nothing will change. – Scripture counters: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14). • Neglect of responsibility, especially for leaders – The context indicts watchmen (v. 10) who sleep instead of guard. – Indulgence disqualifies those called to protect and guide (cf. 1 Timothy 3:3). • Fertile ground for injustice – When shepherds feed themselves, the sheep go hungry (Ezekiel 34:2-4). – Personal excess often pairs with societal neglect. • Escalating bondage – “Drink our fill” suggests ever-increasing consumption. – Sin rarely stays static; it masters those who serve it (Romans 6:16). • False security – Pleasure masks impending judgment. – Luke 12:19-20 shows the rich fool’s similar boast: “Eat, drink, and be merry…Fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” Supporting Insights from the Rest of Scripture • Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion; instead, be filled with the Spirit.” • Romans 13:13-14 – “Let us behave decently…not in carousing and drunkenness…But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 – Sobriety keeps believers awake and ready for Christ’s return. • Proverbs 28:1 – Indulgence breeds hidden fear; the righteous stand bold. Practical Guardrails for Today • Cultivate thankful moderation—receive God’s gifts without letting them rule you. • Schedule regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Surround yourself with honest believers who can lovingly confront drift. • Replace excess with service—engage needs around you to keep compassion sharp. • Keep eternity in view; remember every day may be your last opportunity to honor Christ. Indulgence seems harmless, even rewarding, yet Isaiah unmasks it as spiritually lethal. Choosing sobriety—of mind, heart, and lifestyle—honors the Lord, protects others, and readies us for the day when “tomorrow” finally arrives. |
    |