Good morning! A great and blessed Tuesday morning to you, my friend!
Read Isaiah 1:11-20.
In these opening verses of the Book of Isaiah, the LORD cuts right to the heart of the matter as He is speaking to His people. Note as you read that He acknowledges the children of Israel are offering up sacrifices as prescribed by the Torah, that is the burnt offerings of rams; the fat of cattle; and the blood of bulls, lambs and goats.
But because His people are bringing these offerings while still engaging in activities that the LORD considers an abomination and iniquity (in other words, worship of idols), the LORD tells His people that He will hide His eyes from them, and will not hear their prayers.
Think about that for a moment – the LORD’s people are doing their “religion”, but their heart is not in it – their hearts have turned elsewhere.
The LORD’s response is amazing; it is simple and direct; and it is instructional for each of us today – He tells them to:
Make yourselves clean.
Cease doing evil.
LEARN to do good.
Seek justice.
Rebuke the oppressor.
Defend the fatherless.
Plead for the widow.
And if these few foundational commandments are followed, the LORD promises (vv 18-19): “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;”.
LORD, help me today to turn away from everything that You consider evil. Father, I don’t want to be religious, but I desire to do those simple things that are pleasing in Your sight. Teach me, O God, to do good. Make me clean before You, LORD. Amen!