What if you're preparing for the crisis you can see while ignoring the problem you can't?

Isaiah 22 examines Jerusalem during a time of impending military danger. The people strengthen their defenses, repair walls, gather resources, and prepare for battle. On the surface, they appear proactive.

But something is deeply wrong.

Instead of examining their spiritual condition and taking responsibility for what has brought them to this point, they turn toward short-term distractions and external defenses. Their preparations address the symptoms while ignoring the deeper problem.

The chapter also confronts compromised leadership through the story of Shebna, an official more concerned with his own status than his responsibility. His position is ultimately given to Eliakim.

The modern lesson is uncomfortable: ...