Prior to this reading I want to remind people. These blogs are not intended to be sermonic quality. They are also not going to be in depth exegetical works generally. I say that because I would tell you that understanding Isaiah 1-6 would best be understood with a solid commentary to assist in the study of this reading but really all of Isaiah, maybe a Biblical encyclopedia as well. What I will be sharing this evening…and I apologize for this coming out so late tonight…but what I will be sharing are the things that touched my heart, remember this is my personal devotions that I am doing daily so I’m not studying first for knowledge or first to teach, those things happen out of this, but when I read Isaiah 1-6 I must admit my heart was what engaged more.
So here goes…
I was struck by the strong, strong rhetoric of Isaiah 1:1-17 and then suddenly this is this heart cry appeal,
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey…
I pause…Consent to what? I think consent to God’s appeal to be washed clean by The Lord,
“If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land…”
A lot of people know these verses? I wonder how many realize they come bookended by strong rebuke.
At the end of 1:23 the Bible states, “They do not defend the orphan, nor does the widow’s plea come before them.”
This is the second time widow’s and orphans are mentioned. They are also mentioned in verse 17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
True religion, religion that is honorable to God is not just obedience to personal rules, for the Jewish people he mentions offerings and burnt sacrifices or going to the temple (church) vv. 11 & 12.
True religion must involve caring for people.
Isaiah 2:5, 6 is a clear reminder that consorting with those of the world DOES have a negative influence. No matter what we may try to rationalize.
Isaiah 5:18-23 is a description of our world and even to many degrees modern Christianity. Verse 19 is particularly biting in light of verse 18, people who are really embracing sin and then being deceitful about it, yet are pretending (v. 19) to care about the works of the Lord and His return. Scary! Let all who express a desire for Jesus to return to pause and ask to search our hearts that vv. 18 & 19 are not true of us.
Now I want to go back to the part of the reading that struck my heart most: Chapter 5 verses 1-4 are my favorite portion of this reading. It reminds me of the night I accepted Jesus, I heard Him say to me, “You’ve tried everything else, why don’t you give me a chance.”
I tried Him and I’ve never been disappointed. If I ever make a decision to walk away from God I will not be able to give any suggestion if asked, “What more was there to do for My vineyard that I have not done in it.”
God asked me to try Him, I did, and blessing after blessing I’ve received.
God there is nothing more You could do for me.
Tomorrow’s Reading: Matthew 1 & 2