Isaiah 1 -- Getting Right Down To Business

Isaiah didn’t mince words.  God had given him a message and he delivered it full force from the first chapter.  The message was deeply personal, revealing exactly how God felt about being ignored and even patronized by His people.

My commentary boiled it down:  “God despises ritual without reality, sacrifices without obedience, gifts without the givers (That’s worth reading twice). 
As long as people are living in sin, their attendance at the Temple services is an insulting trampling of His courts.  The mixing of iniquity and solemn assembly is hateful to Him.  He will pay no attention to their outstretched hands or many prayers … The conscience of the believer may become so seared that a person can practice religion while yet living in sin.”

Yet, as repugnant as their behavior (and ours) appears to Him, God still invites:  “Come, let us talk about these things …”  God wants to be our accountability partner.  He wants us to readily and freely admit the sin that is holding us back, separating us from Him.  He says, “No matter how bad you think they are, I can cleanse them if you’ll only give me a chance.  TRUST ME!”

In describing our sinful condition, God is right on target:  “Your whole heart is sick … No medicine takes away the pain.”  Only the Great Physician can do that.

Father, I’m so thankful that You allow me to come to You; that in spite of my sin, which You know all too well, You still want me back.  Yes, You forgive, but You also forget!  Help me never to dread hearing You say, “Come, let us talk …”  Instead, remind me of how relieved I feel once we bring out into the open the sin that causes me to be separated from You.  Thank You for Your grace!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford