In the modern world, religion is often pushed aside in creating an advanced, humane and civilised world order. Humans only need their intellect in managing society. Look at the developed countries with high happiness indexes, on average they have a fairly low level of community religiosity. Religion no longer plays a role in people's lives. As religious people, we should ask that what often causes misunderstanding are the values of religion itself or its adherents. Is there still any value or progress that religion can contribute?"
Isaiah 3:1-15 portrays a society in the midst of a leadership crisis, moral and social chaos. Interestingly this situation began when God took away the "rod and staff" from among the people of Israel. They were reliable leaders who had apparently fallen into pride. So God himself brought justice to them. So various chaos came, including a famine that could still occur. It was Isaiah's satire of Israel who had turned to Baal, the god of harvest and fertility. Their worship of Baal was apparently in vain.
Society had become very corrupt. Even the cadets or young people have lost their idealism. Leadership no longer offers order because the leaders are not exemplary. As a result, society has become chaotic. People become wolves to their neighbours. Fraternal relations are no longer meaningful. In this chaotic situation, the solution is divine intervention. God came as a judge. He judges the elders and leaders and indicts those who have oppressed the poor. When there is no more justice, then the Source of Justice comes to enforce His justice.
The intervention of God as the Supreme Judge actually inspires our prophetic call to the nation. When this country is poor in role models and leaders abuse their people, then God's children can show how to behave and act according to the wisdom of God the Just. The role of religion for civilisation will be felt again when every believer truly practices what is taught by God, the Source of Order and Justice. That is the calling of Christians throughout history.
