The first chapter of Isaiah holds lessons not just for Judah back in Old Testament times but for us as well.
Isaiah 1:1-9 Isaiah reveals the rebellion and wickedness of Judah. According to Isaiah the people had acted corruptly and abandoned the Lord and turned away from Him, verse 4. They were in rebellion against God, verse 5. Each of us needs to examine our own lives and attitudes. In what way are you and I rebelling against God and what will we do to rectify the matter?
Isaiah 1:10-15 Isaiah condemns wrong sacrifices and wrong attitudes towards God. Perhaps we are not blameless either. Have we ever come to take communion at church knowing that our hearts are not right before God and that we are not living in love and charity with our neighbors? Or that we have not examined our lives as we are instructed to do before receiving communion, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. Is there some wrong attitude or behavior that God needs to eradicate from your life or mine?
Isaiah 1:16-19 Isaiah urges the people to repent and promises God’s forgiveness and blessing to the repentant, verses 18-19. Of what do you need to repent and seek God’s forgiveness? We have God’s promise of forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness if we repent, 1 John 1:9.
Isaiah 1: 20-24 Isaiah promises failure to repent will bring destruction for rebellious. What sin is God pointing out to you this week that you need to deal with?
Isaiah 1:25-31 Isaiah promises God’s refining and redemption for the repentant but destruction for the rebellious. Each of us needs to allow God to work in us changing us into the image of His Son, Romans 8:29. In what areas is God in the process of refining you? What areas do you need to stop resisting His changing power and allow Him to deal with?
Bible verses from the New American Standard Version
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