Isaiah 1:1-20 part two

Hello my brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope this day finds you rejoicing in the redemption of our Lord.
I have to be honest, I have been really struggling to figure out how to present these verses in a series as I shared with you that I was lead to do. I struggle with staying focused at times, and far too often I allow the stresses of this world to get in the way of what I should be doing. As a matter of fact today I evaluated myself and determined that I am far too lukewarm with my life and approach to Christ. Once again I have the book Crazy Love to thank for getting me to truly think, evaluate and study in a way I have not been challenged to do in a long time. But that is not what this blog will be about. We are continuing in our study of Isaiah 1.

As you may remember when we left off we had determined that God was quite angry with how Israel had become, and that today is no different. I hope you have had several chances to read those verses and really study upon them. In verse 7 He says “your country is desolate....” and that “right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers”. I sometimes look at my government and wonder if strangers are actually leading our country. None follow through on their promises and often they make laws that go against the majority of people, and often against the constitution. We live in fear of terrorism and uncertainty. As scary as the picture is that Isaiah paints, what is more scary is God’s thoughts of the church. In verse 11 “The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to me? Says the LORD.” That is not a question to be taken lightly. Think about it. Are we truly living up to the call of Christ? Are we uncomfortable in this world? Or do we have the luxury of a comfortable life and religion? 11 continues “I have more than enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. 14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feast my soul hates. They have become a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread our your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;”
Wow. I say that as humbly as I possibly can, wow. When you read that do you see our church of today being any different? How many people in church are there every Sunday, yet if you didn’t see them on Sunday in church you would never know they were Christians? Worst yet, are you one of those people? Don’t get offended by the question, instead embrace it. The truth is, if you are then you need to know so you can repent and do what you need to in order to get right with God. But seriously, is that not the state of our church today? What I believe God is saying here is “I have had enough show, I have had enough pious prayer, ceremonies, everyone standing, kneeling and singing on cue. I have had enough of being only practiced in Church, enough of being reduced to rituals and works. I have had enough of faithful outsides and evils hearts. I have had enough!” It could possibly be even further concluded with “Either get real or get out!” I don’t know about you, but growing up my brothers and sister always knew when we had really gotten Mom mad. If she was aggravated she would yell. If being pushed she might slam something on the table. But when she had reached her limit, her line in the sand, she would loudly exclaim “I have had enough!” When we heard that you would see four children running in four different directions, praying we were not the one she chose to chase down for the first spanking. It was always the hardest. If you were lucky enough to be last, she was tired and it didn’t sting as much. This is the same feeling I get when I read these verses. The same image comes to mind, but I also know that God won’t tire as my mother did when He issues His punishment. When you read those verses did you get a similar feeling, image, anything? I hope so, because if you did, then you are being blessed with God’s word speaking to you.

God does not stand for being second, and He also won’t stand for being watered down. But He is also a God of grace and mercy and He doesn’t end there. Verse 16 “wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 18 Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD...”. Wash and make yourselves clean. That is all we have to do to remove ourselves from God’s wrath. Wash and make yourselves clean, 5 simple words when you think of it. After all how do we wash and make ourselves clean? Through the blood of Christ, which God himself provides. Stop doing wrong. Hmm, okay I will admit, that one isn’t as easy, but that is only because we don’t submit ourselves to God to do it for us. I am just as guilty of that, and I am constantly being reminded of things in which I need to surrender. But doesn’t that just speak of God’s love and desire for us that he would not only scold us, but then tell us what we need to do, then do it for us? Read that sentence again. If you need to, read it a third time. I know when my mother got finished with us, it would often times, be followed by a time out, so that she could calm down. But, God doesn’t even put a period on the sentence. He instead goes right into how to fix it. I don’t know about you, but it scares me to the core to think God would stop listening to my prayers (v15) I can’t think of any self indulgence on earth that is worth that. I guess that is why it touched my heart so deeply when He took the time to show me the way back to Him.

I love how God says “come now, lets reason together,” I love how He invites me to Him, how He takes an active role in teaching me. He doesn’t just say “Now stop it or else!” No, He says “Now this is enough foolishness, come here and lets talk, let me help you.” Now don’t confuse that with an invitation to negotiate terms, for it is not. There is no more room for you to negotiate your terms with God then there is for your 3 year old to negotiate with you. This is a teaching moment, and explanation of sorts. He continues “... Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the lands; 20 but if you resist and rebel you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” There is nothing I can say that will offer a more plain explanation. Close your eyes and just imagine yourself on your Father’s lap, His arms around you, and read those words again.

May God richly bless you as you seek Him,
Ady