Isaiah is perhaps the greatest of all the prophets in the Old Testament. Although his words were written about 700 years before the birth of Christ, in many ways they are more relevant than this morning’s newspaper. He speaks God’s Word boldly, not only to the Jews in Jerusalem in his own time, but to each of us today. He writes of the internal battle between the flesh and the spirit. Isaiah’s words are to the nation, and at the same time, they are to you and me personally. Chapter 1 reminds me of the daily headlines. To all of us who have assumed God’s hand of protection as a birthright, he begins, “Listen… For the LORD has spoken… Woe to the sinful nation… They have forsaken the LORD… and turned their backs on Him“. Some people only know God from a distance, but others have turned from God out of disappointment, anger, or apathy. Others try to keep a small portion of their life separate, but Isaiah warns, “Your whole heart is afflicted“. Any time we attempt to keep sections hidden from Him, we diminish His place in our life. One deception leads to another until, “From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness“. This can happen in any aspect of our life. Events quickly cascade until, “only wounds and welts and open sores” remain. Isaiah reminds us the story does not end there; the column continues.
He captions a picture of the events that follow, “Your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you“. Here is his solution, “listen to the instruction of our God“. Are you there yet? Isaiah explains that there is nothing you can do to earn God’s favor except ask for His forgiveness. “The multitude of your sacrifices what are they to Me? …Stop bringing meaningless offerings!“. Do you keep God around like a good luck charm, pulling Him out occasionally? God responds, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide My eyes from you… I am not listening“. Isaiah says very directly, “Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong“. Jesus said “Go and sin no more“, but first He assured the woman caught in adultery, “neither do I condemn you“. He did not ignore her sin; He paid the debt in full.
Only you know where you have been compromising. “‘Come now, let us settle the matter’,” says the LORD“. Please listen to this promise; it is for every one of us that have fallen short of perfection, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow“. He describes the nation that was, “She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her“. But now, “Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts“. Like a loving father, God will allow consequences to bring about change, “I will turn My hand against you… and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders“. Notice the pattern, Judgment, Confession, Repentance and then Restoration. Sadly some will refuse to change,”But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish. You will be ashamed… disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen“. What are you allowing to grow in your garden? Isaiah predicts a spiritual drought, “You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water… with no one to quench the fire“. Perhaps God is calling you through Isaiah. Will you check the Want Ads or the Obituaries? Please don’t let the newspapers pile up in your driveway.