Isaiah 1:18-31 Text
"Come now, and let us reason together", says the Lord, "though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Isaiah 1:18-20 Devotion
The invitation of God to reason together is legal language, the verdict of the highest court in the land. The verdict for all of us is "guilty . . . but . . ." The color red (scarlet) relates to blood-guilt and of course on any article of clothing is a nightmare to get purely clean. To be able to go from scarlet red to pure white is the greatest news given to mankind. It is the same as going from being a prostitute-whore to becoming a virgin again. Such is impossible except with God. This is exactly what happened with Israel and thus makes the study of their whore-dom and forgiveness very compelling to any and all of us who have given ourselves away to other gods-- whether to gods of sex, drugs, materialism, slander, gossip, or whatever it may be.
The invitation is twofold, however. First, we can be completely and actually totally clean by God's grace. However, combined with this is the necessity to repent and obey. The value of the one is nullifeid without this second response on my part. It is Lordship over your life that He demands which the gospels and New Testament also make perfectly clear. Without repentance and following Jesus as Master there can be no forgiveness. To refuse obedience is to reject the offer of forgiveness and a voluntary forfeiting of his blessings in your life. The road to blessings in whatever form always goes through obedience. Obedience will not save us or make us clean. Ironically, only the red blood of Christ can take out the dark red stain of sin . . . and that is procured by faith. However, faith without works of obedience is dead and thus we see that any person who will not follow Jesus as master will neither know God nor forgiveness.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Isaiah 1:10-17 Devotion
Isaiah 1:10-17 Text
10Hear the word of the LORD,You rulers of Sodom;Give ear to the instruction of our God,You people of Gomorrah. 11"What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?"
Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12"When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts? 13"Bring your worthless offerings no longer,Incense is an abomination to Me, New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies--I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14"I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts,They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15"So when you spread out your hands in prayer,I will hide My eyes from you;Yes, even though you multiply prayers,I will not listen Your hands are covered with blood. 16"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil,17Learn to do good; Seek justice,Reprove the ruthless,Defend the orphan,Plead for the widow."
Devotion
Here we see the comparison of Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah as complete. Many tend to think of homosexuality and wanton sexual sins when they think of those cities but as seen last week this was not their root problem, but rather a symptom. As was pointed out in the previous entry it was their failure to fight for justice and righteousness in society that led them far from God. Here we see the same with the people of God.
Could it be that all of my outward acts of worship are a stench in God's nostrils? Could it be offensive to Him when I raise my hands with closed eyes while singing loudly in church? Could it be that my service to Him in the church and community is considered by Him as worthless? Well . . . yes. It was the case for Israel and is the case for some so-called Christians today.
God took no pleasure in all the acts of Israel's worship. Note that their church worship gives Him no pleasure, is an abomination, and He cannot endure it. He is weary of it. In fact, He will not hear their prayers. Why? Because their hands were covered with blood. They were not protecting the widows and orphans and the ruthless were allowed to run rough-shod over the helpless. This reminds us to put no confidence in how we feel regarding our acts of worship-- singing, Bible studies, quiet times, prayers, etc. It could be that all these things mean nothing at all to God.
Many times we think God is angry about our wrong actions. . . and He does hate sin. However, let us not forget that often Jesus wants us to focus on what we are not doing that we should be doing as the main offense to the Lord. In other words, it is not what I am doing so much but what I am NOT doing. What has the Lord called you to do that you are not doing? In the case of Israel here it is to do justice and righteousness. The problem is that we often talk of these things, and even teach them. But it is doers of justice and righteousness that God is looking for.
Again, we have a way out if we are failing at this point. Verse 16-17 tells us all we need to know to get on track: Wash, repent, and do good. That is the summary of what it means to follow Christ. Wash in His blood, turn from your sins, and begin to do good-- practicing justice and righteousness-- which always includes serving the helpless and needy. How are you doing in doing on behalf of others?
10Hear the word of the LORD,You rulers of Sodom;Give ear to the instruction of our God,You people of Gomorrah. 11"What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?"
Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12"When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts? 13"Bring your worthless offerings no longer,Incense is an abomination to Me, New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies--I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14"I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts,They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. 15"So when you spread out your hands in prayer,I will hide My eyes from you;Yes, even though you multiply prayers,I will not listen Your hands are covered with blood. 16"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil,17Learn to do good; Seek justice,Reprove the ruthless,Defend the orphan,Plead for the widow."
Devotion
Here we see the comparison of Israel to Sodom and Gomorrah as complete. Many tend to think of homosexuality and wanton sexual sins when they think of those cities but as seen last week this was not their root problem, but rather a symptom. As was pointed out in the previous entry it was their failure to fight for justice and righteousness in society that led them far from God. Here we see the same with the people of God.
Could it be that all of my outward acts of worship are a stench in God's nostrils? Could it be offensive to Him when I raise my hands with closed eyes while singing loudly in church? Could it be that my service to Him in the church and community is considered by Him as worthless? Well . . . yes. It was the case for Israel and is the case for some so-called Christians today.
God took no pleasure in all the acts of Israel's worship. Note that their church worship gives Him no pleasure, is an abomination, and He cannot endure it. He is weary of it. In fact, He will not hear their prayers. Why? Because their hands were covered with blood. They were not protecting the widows and orphans and the ruthless were allowed to run rough-shod over the helpless. This reminds us to put no confidence in how we feel regarding our acts of worship-- singing, Bible studies, quiet times, prayers, etc. It could be that all these things mean nothing at all to God.
Many times we think God is angry about our wrong actions. . . and He does hate sin. However, let us not forget that often Jesus wants us to focus on what we are not doing that we should be doing as the main offense to the Lord. In other words, it is not what I am doing so much but what I am NOT doing. What has the Lord called you to do that you are not doing? In the case of Israel here it is to do justice and righteousness. The problem is that we often talk of these things, and even teach them. But it is doers of justice and righteousness that God is looking for.
Again, we have a way out if we are failing at this point. Verse 16-17 tells us all we need to know to get on track: Wash, repent, and do good. That is the summary of what it means to follow Christ. Wash in His blood, turn from your sins, and begin to do good-- practicing justice and righteousness-- which always includes serving the helpless and needy. How are you doing in doing on behalf of others?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Isaiah 1:1-9 Devotion
Isaiah 1:1-9 Text
1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks,"Sons I have reared and brought up,
But they have revolted against Me. 3"An ox knows its owner,And a donkey its master's manger, But Israel does not know,My people do not understand." 4 Alas, sinful nation,People weighed down with iniquity,Offspring of evildoers,Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD,They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again,As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head There is nothing sound in it,Only bruises, welts and raw wounds,Not pressed out or bandaged,Nor softened with oil. 7 Your land is desolate,Your cities are burned with fire,Your fields--strangers are devouring them in your presence;It is desolation, as overthrown by strangers. 8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard,Like a watchman's hut in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. 9 Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors,We would be like Sodom,We would be like Gomorrah.
Devotion
Can it be that you and I are less intelligent than an ox or a donkey? They have no problem realizing who owns them and whom they obey. Yet, do we listen to the One who has purchased us with His own blood? It is a strong rebuke that God's own purchased people do not know or understand Him. Of course, this goes way beyond challenging us to just know His word. To know Him is to obey Him. As George MacDonald said, "It is better to be an atheist who does the will of God, than a so-called Christian who does not." Those who are quick to call Jesus "Lord" . . . are they obsessed with doing the will of God. It is our actions which always tell the story of whether we are also guilty of despising Him. I am thankful for George MacDonald for reminding me that having a correct theology does not mean I know God as I claim I do. It is the doing of the word that was important in the Old Testament and was important to Jesus. To refuse obedience is to refuse His lorship over my life and the end result is a forfeiture of His blessings in my life. Such a rejectin of the One true God can then result in our losing our minds and hearts to depression, grief, frustration, various illnesses, and eventual hardening and despair.
Thankfully, there is still hope for all as the history of Israel is designed to point out. God holds out grace for them (and us) at the end of this passage. There are survivors! It may surprise you to know Ezekiel 16:49: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Of course, this describes us in America very well and reminds us that failure to love others can result in moral degradation which we see plenty of as well. The key question for my life and yours is: do I show that I know Him by my obedience to His will and ways? If you have revolted from obedience to the one who bought you, repent and turn back to following Him as your master and owner. Disobedience is rebellion. By God's grace show yourself one of the survivors who escape His judgment.
1The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the LORD speaks,"Sons I have reared and brought up,
But they have revolted against Me. 3"An ox knows its owner,And a donkey its master's manger, But Israel does not know,My people do not understand." 4 Alas, sinful nation,People weighed down with iniquity,Offspring of evildoers,Sons who act corruptly! They have abandoned the LORD,They have despised the Holy One of Israel,
They have turned away from Him. 5 Where will you be stricken again,As you continue in your rebellion? The whole head is sick And the whole heart is faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head There is nothing sound in it,Only bruises, welts and raw wounds,Not pressed out or bandaged,Nor softened with oil. 7 Your land is desolate,Your cities are burned with fire,Your fields--strangers are devouring them in your presence;It is desolation, as overthrown by strangers. 8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard,Like a watchman's hut in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. 9 Unless the LORD of hosts Had left us a few survivors,We would be like Sodom,We would be like Gomorrah.
Devotion
Can it be that you and I are less intelligent than an ox or a donkey? They have no problem realizing who owns them and whom they obey. Yet, do we listen to the One who has purchased us with His own blood? It is a strong rebuke that God's own purchased people do not know or understand Him. Of course, this goes way beyond challenging us to just know His word. To know Him is to obey Him. As George MacDonald said, "It is better to be an atheist who does the will of God, than a so-called Christian who does not." Those who are quick to call Jesus "Lord" . . . are they obsessed with doing the will of God. It is our actions which always tell the story of whether we are also guilty of despising Him. I am thankful for George MacDonald for reminding me that having a correct theology does not mean I know God as I claim I do. It is the doing of the word that was important in the Old Testament and was important to Jesus. To refuse obedience is to refuse His lorship over my life and the end result is a forfeiture of His blessings in my life. Such a rejectin of the One true God can then result in our losing our minds and hearts to depression, grief, frustration, various illnesses, and eventual hardening and despair.
Thankfully, there is still hope for all as the history of Israel is designed to point out. God holds out grace for them (and us) at the end of this passage. There are survivors! It may surprise you to know Ezekiel 16:49: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Of course, this describes us in America very well and reminds us that failure to love others can result in moral degradation which we see plenty of as well. The key question for my life and yours is: do I show that I know Him by my obedience to His will and ways? If you have revolted from obedience to the one who bought you, repent and turn back to following Him as your master and owner. Disobedience is rebellion. By God's grace show yourself one of the survivors who escape His judgment.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
J.C. Ryle, 1816-1900
I commend to you today the writings of J.C. Ryle, faithful minister in England and author of some great writings that I am fond of, namely "Holiness" and his "Expository Thoughts on the Gospels" which is a very devotionally-focused walk through the Gospels.
Ryle became a Christian in a church while hearing a passage of the Bible merely read. He did not remember the sermon that day or much else. Rather, the reading of Ephesians 2 struck him at the age of 21.
He became a minister following the financial collapse of his wealthy family and became known as the working man's pastor. His funeral in 1900 was attended by numerous poor people.
Ryle became a Christian in a church while hearing a passage of the Bible merely read. He did not remember the sermon that day or much else. Rather, the reading of Ephesians 2 struck him at the age of 21.
He became a minister following the financial collapse of his wealthy family and became known as the working man's pastor. His funeral in 1900 was attended by numerous poor people.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Church Plant, Claveria, Philippines
We are excited to report that our recent church plant in the Northern Philippines has already reached 35 people! This place is know to the locals as "Fuga Village" and is the launching point for the three hour boat ride to Fuga Island.
Please pray for this new church, which is critical to the Fuga Island Vision. Next steps are to buy land and an eventual church building. Will you join us in praying for these things?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)