Read Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Tuesday

Read Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

This book contains the messages about Judah and Jerusalem which God revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz during the time when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah.

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 19}If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. ²⁰But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

Think

I love the way the Good News Bible puts verse 18:  "I the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over..."

No matter how much of a mess we make; the Lord calls us to talk about it with him.  And when we talk about it with him he guides us in the way we should go.

Pray

I, the LORD, invite you to come and talk it over.  Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than snow or wool. - Verse 18