Isaiah 1-4

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%201-4&version=NIV

ISAIAH 1-4

So now we embark upon Isaiah, which is probably my favorite of all the books of the Old Testament. Written almost 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah is filled with numerous prophesies of the coming Messianic Age. With so many references to our Lord -- His birth, His life, His ministry, and His death -- Isaiah has often been called “The Fifth Gospel.” This book also features some of the most beautiful prose and poetry in the entire Bible. I remember reading excerpts of Isaiah in school (public school of all places!!) because of the high regard it commands as a work of literature.

Chapters 1 - 4 detail of all the ways that Israel has failed to live up to God’s standards. From the highest offices of leadership to the lowest ranks of the common people, “there is no soundness” (1:6) in the nation of Israel. God desires an authentic relationship with His people; however, all He receives are vain sacrifices and compromised morality. When God decides that enough is enough, His judgment is brought to bear upon the people of Israel.

My favorite verse in this passage is 1:18:

"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.”

In a time like ours where there are many who try to portray religion and reason to be in total conflict, I find it reassuring that God uses reason in His attempts to draw us nearer to Him. Furthermore, this verse is the first ray of hope that God provides amidst all the gloom of His judgment: our sins will be washed clean.

These are the major themes that run though Isaiah: Israel (we) are disobedient to God’s commands, God’s judgment is rendered upon Israel (us), and yet, in His great compassion, God provides Israel (us) with a promise of salvation.

As we read through Isaiah, let’s use it as a lens for examining our own relationships with God as well as the overall health and ministry of the church. Let’s make sure we always keep God the focus of our time spent in worship, in Sunday school, when we tithe, and when we pray.

Rock on!

Chad