Scripture Read – Isaiah 1-6

Nugget: Isaiah 1:5-6, 16-20

“Why do you seek further beatings? Why do you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they have not been drained, or bound up, or softened with oil. …. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Devotional thought: God’s grace goes before us, always available – why are so obstinate, why do we refuse the offer? Merciful God, who has more than enough evidence to cast us aside beckons us to enter into His presence; give us the opportunity to be healed, cleaned (inside and out), to love Him, others and ourselves. Yet we continue our self-destructive patterns – why? Why do we refuse to follow the general rules of “do no harm, do good, attend to the ordinances of God” This week we’ve read from several books the theme has focused on the need for covenant obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Why do we seek further beatings when the offer to eat the good of the land is available? Ask yourself, Am I a rebel or an obedient servant? What example do I set for others? What is the outcome of my service to God? What kind of fruit do I produce? Now ask God…… O Lord forgive my lack of obedience, my swelling pride, forgive me, wash me clean.