Complacent and Wretched

Thoughts on Isaiah 1

First of all, I fully believe that God spoke directly through Isaiah in his vision here. I also believe that while there are times in the Old Testament where the words and actions described in the Bible are specific to the time - I think that there is always an application for us here and now. In terms of broad principles at least, versus specific laws, there is application for us whether it’s a message to learn or knowledge to gain, it’s always there.

I don’t believe Isaiah is talking about an ignorance of God like I might have an ignorance of Chemistry or of Physics.. but rather a rejection of God. They had gradually, and it seems almost totally, drifted away from God. They had lost belief.

I know I’ve said plenty of times in my life that “I know what this Bible passage says.. but how does this matter to me right now? How is it relevant to me, now?”. I wonder if the people in Isaiah’s day said the same thing? Maybe I’m more like these revolting people than I think. Maybe I’m revolting in God’s eyes.

I’ve so often doubted the practical application of God’s words then - to today. I feel like I have to continually remind myself of the statement I made at the beginning of this post. It’s always there.

Besides, who is the man who is qualified to tell us what changes need to be made in the Christian faith? Who knows the mind of God well enough to challenge the practice of today versus that of what’s found in the pages of the New Testament? I know I’m not. Sounds to me like blind guides leading blind people. We over and over create our own brand of Christianity today to suit our needs (IE, hundreds of denominations). We have become, or I have become, just like the people of Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah is crying out to for change.

Those people Isaiah was speaking to weren’t outright mocking God either - they were still holding worship services, giving burnt offerings, using incense, ect. They had the whole godly act down to a science. But God was still saddened by it all because their hearts and daily life weren’t in it. It was all an act. Sound familiar? I know it does to me.

God even said “I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.” (1:13) He says their incense “is an abomination to me.” (1:13) He doesn’t want us to put on a show for Him.

There is only one way to know and understand God. One must become a faithful and diligent student of the word of God, not just an occasional and casual reader. It’s His personal love letter to us! Why do we struggle to spend time reading a book that was written and dedicated to us personally. One thing that my husband and I have been trying to make a priority in our lives, is consuming the Word of God on a daily basis.

God tells us to “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good.” (1:16) He sure does make it sounds easy.

But God is able and willing to save the greatest of sinners, to save me and you, if we will just repent. But isn’t it more than that? I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve fallen to the ground begging God to forgive me. Begging Him to make me new. Over and over God tells me “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (1:18). Even now as great as my sins, as deep red at scarlet can be, God can wash us to the purest white. That’s mind-boggling. Why aren’t we jumping for JOY!?

God wants restoration for me. He wants to rebuild our lives. But how do we attain that? A daily journey? I believe so. Without our authentic and loving God in our lives throughout every moment.. who are we to demand forgiveness? A relationship needs to be made. And it needs to be priority.

“He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God’s face and shouts for joy;he is restored by God to his righteous state.” Job 33:26