Read Isaiah 1:10-18

Read Isaiah 1:10-18

10 Jerusalem, your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to what the Lord is saying to you. Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. ¹¹He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. ¹²Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping about in my Temple? ¹³It’s useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. ¹⁴I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing. ¹⁵“When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. ¹⁶Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil ¹⁷and learn to do right. See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” ¹⁸The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow.^a Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.^{b [1]}

Think

The prophet doesn’t hold back in his criticism of the people. Referring to verse 10, according to the prophet Ezekiel the sin of Sodom was that they were:

“…proud because they had plenty to eat and lived in peace and quiet, but they did not take care of the poor and the underprivileged.”

- Ezekiel 16:49

Sounds a lot like life today.

Pray

Lord, we stand convicted; thank you for the grace and mercy by which you forgive us and wash us ‘as clean as snow.’  By your grace help us to become the people you created us to be.

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¹¹ 1.11–14: Am 5:21, 22

¹² 1.11–14: Am 5:21, 22

¹³ 1.11–14: Am 5:21, 22

¹⁴ 1.11–14: Am 5:21, 22

^a sin, but ... snow; or sin; do you think I will wash you as clean as snow?

^b Although your ... wool; or Your stains are deep red; do you think you will be as white as wool?

^[1] American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good news Translation (2nd ed.). New York: American Bible Society.