SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 1
The book of Isaiah is the first book written by a prophet. Isaiah means “The Salvation of Jehovah”. He was a great prophet who called people to turn from their sinful lives and warned them of God’s judgment and punishment. He had an active ministry of 60 years. At the beginning of the ministry, he was liked by the people. But later, he became unpopular because they disliked his messages. Isaiah prophesied during the ruler of Hezekiah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. Later, he was executed by Manasseh.
This book had 66 chapters. The first 39 chapters are words of judgment that contained denunciation and punishment calling Judah, Israel and the surrounding nations to repent of their sins. He spoke Messiah as both a suffering Servant and a Sovereign Lord. The last 27 chapters are words of comfort, foretelling the hope and future blessings through the Messiah. This book guided and comforted the exiles during and after their captivity.
MEMORY VERSES:
“When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. (Isaiah 1:12-14)
“When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop during wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:15-17)
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
“Zion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. But rebels and sinners will be broken, and those who forsake the Lord will perish. (Isaiah 1:27-2)
A REBELLIOUS NATION (vs. 1-31)
DESCRIPTION OF THE NATION OF ISREAL.
- They rebel against God.
- They are evil doers loaded with guilt.
- Their children are rebellious.
- They have forsaken the Holy One of Israel.
- Their country is desolate with burned cities and fields being striped by foreigners.
- Their meaningless offerings are detestable to God.
- They pray with hands of blood.
- The city becomes murderers of injustice.
- Their rulers are rebels and companions of thieves. They love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless or the widows.
- They are like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water. (v. 30)
WHAT GOD WILL DO:
- I will get relief from my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. (v. 24)
- I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. (v. 25)
- I will restore your judges as in days of old, your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faith City.” (v. 26)
- I will redeem you with justice and righteousness.
The original nation of Israel was divided into 2 kingdoms, the Northern Kingdom which is “Israel” and the Southern Kingdom, “Judah”. The Northern Kingdom had sinned greatly against God and the Southern Kingdom was headed in the same direction – perverting justice, oppressing the poor, turning from God to idols and seeking military aid from pagan nations rather than from God.
Isaiah was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom – Judah. The people of Judah committed great sins and had turned against God. Isaiah sent the message of God’s warning and judgment. Because they refused to listen, Judah was invaded by pagan nations and plundered by foreigners. Although the people did not repent but they continued to offer sacrifices But God was not pleased with offerings by people who have corrupt heart.
Judah had turned from worshiping of the true God to worshiping idols. Their faith was detestable. God called them harlot even though they were religiously strict. God wants pure and strong devotion to Him. God promised to refine His people similar to the way the metal is purged with lyre in a smelting pot. This process involved melting the metal and skimming of the impure dross until the worker can see his own image in the liquid metal.
A spark set to tinder ignites a quick devouring fire. The evil deeds of powerful people are like a roaring fire. Our life can be destroyed by a small and deadly spark.
THOUGHTS:
The whole Bible is composed of 66 books with 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, it focuses on the bad news while the New Testament focuses on the good news. Old Testament foretold God’s judgment and promised to His people which were fulfilled in the New Testament – the incarnation of Christ and his sacrificial offering for the salvation of mankind. Similarly, the book of Isaiah has 66 chapters. The first 39 chapters were the condemnation of the sins of Judah and warnings of the coming judgment. The second 27 chapters prophesied Judah’s deliverance from Babylonian captivity. It emphasized grace and glorious redemption which brought the message of forgiveness, comfort and hope.
God gave prosperity to Israel, but the people had turned against God. Then God sent them warnings but they refused to listen. So, they were attacked and being plundered by the enemies. Finally, God would bring them fire of judgment. When we sin, we are separated from God. If we do not confess our sins, we have to face judgment. Try to restore your relationship with God by confessing your sins, obeying His instructions and communicating regularly with Him.
Sacrifices are an outward sign of faith in God. But outward signs are meaningless if faith does not exist. The Israelites follow the traditional sacrifices and offerings without sincere faith and devotion. So God rejected their offerings. God does not take pleasure in our outward expressions if our inward faith is missing.
In order to reflect God’s image, He has to refine us as refining gold. Are you willing to submit to God and allow him to remove your sins? Will you make God your first priority on everything?