“‘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.’” – Isaiah 1:18
What’s the most important decision you’ve ever made?
We’re faced with choices every day.
Life is filled with choices, some more important than others. Which pair of socks you wear is probably not as important as whether you have that second piece of pumpkin pie which isn’t as important as whether you quit your job, etc.
Judah’s Big Deception
In today’s passage, the Lord is addressing the people of Judah. He confronts them with their sin. They were rebellious against the Lord. They were greedy, selfish, and corrupt. They disregarded the Lord’s commands and did whatever they felt like doing…until Saturday.
Saturday was the Sabbath. It was sort of like Sunday for us. On the Sabbath the people went to the synagogues or temple. They offered sacrifices and said prayers. They celebrated all the annual festivals, etc. They “did” everything they were supposed to do…but didn’t mean any of it. They were going through the motions, nothing more, and God was sick of it.
“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.” Isaiah 1:11-13
Judah’s Big Decision
The Lord lays out their sin against them, not just to make them feel bad, but to lead them to repentance. He wants them to turn from their rebellion and turn to Him. He’s been incredibly patient, but He’s warning them that there will come a time when He won’t put up with this anymore and they will reap the consequences. However, He doesn’t want that. He wants them to turn to Him and be forgiven.
So, God says, “Let’s reason together.” In other words, let’s consider your options. Your sin is clear and you are guilty, but it can be washed away. You can be made pure as wool. Which will you choose?
Our Big Decision
We are all sinners. However, there is a difference between being repentant for that sin or just continuing to live in that sin without remorse.
This isn’t a call to go to church. The People of Judah were going to church, but it was meaningless religion, not a matter of faith. We can slip into the same and just start going through the motions. However, God isn’t fooled. He doesn’t want the motions, He wants your heart.
“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.“
So, let’s be reasonable.
Why continue in sin? Why risk the wrath of God? Why risk abandoning your faith. Turn to the Lord in repentance and find that He is loving and merciful. He will remove your sin. Though your sin is red as crimson, you will be white as wool, washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
Holy Lord,
The temptation to sin is all around me and I confess that I give into it frequently. I pray that my heart would remain soft in repentance, always turning to You for forgiveness. For I know Your mercy is great. If my heart begins to harden and I resist repentance, bring me back to You. Remind me of Your Word and soften my heart again so that I would have a broken spirit and contrite heart.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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