“'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;'"
Isa 1:18-19
There is nothing simpler than the "if/then" proposition. God instructed the prophet Isaiah to inform the people of Israel of His discontent with their behavior. God had given them everything and had made them a chosen people. Despite this, they continued to rebel through idolatry, vain worship and immoral living. The utter nonsensical nature of this is made unmistakably clear when he says, "The ox knows its master, the donkey its owners manger but Israel does not know, my people do not understand" (1:3). Despite all of this, God condescends to appeal to their simple logic. He offers them a deal based on obedience.
Beloved, God is still offering that same deal. The majority of the Bible is talking to or about those who believe. As Israel once held the sole designation of God's people, now it is all who call upon the name of Christ. Doing so, however, does not exempt one from the same bad decisions and misbehavior of our progenitors. In fact, because of the freedom we experience in Christ, the argument could be made that we are more likely to be out of step with the Father.
For us, He has given His son. Through him He has given truth and salvation. It is important that we do not deviate from the path in our daily living. We must be on guard against our former destructive habits, sinful ways and attraction to that which is not godly. After all, does our Father not provide for our every need? Has he not gifted us with His Holy Spirit? Has the Lord not gone to prepare a place for us? Is God not available to us through prayer and present with us always? Is there anything in this life or the next that can exceed what God so generously gives?
Come now and let us reason together.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
Showing posts with label Isa 1:18-19. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Isa 1:18-19. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Will You Be Free-DD 4/27/2011
"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;" Isa 1:18-19
As we walk through life, it is easy to ignore or be unaware of our undone condition. To be sure, we are creatures most miserable indeed and we are made so by the disease of sin. Unless cured, this is a terminal illness and will ultimately result in our death (Rom 3:23a). God relates that it is a fact that our sin is double dyed in the wool and outside of cleansing that is available only from Him, permanent.
As an argument in a court of law, He invites us to first come, which is to say, listen to the argument of the prosecution. This is an invitation specifically to Israel, but by extension to all sinners. Secondly, He condescends to entertain an examination of the evidence and facts. The case against us irrefutable. If we would accept Him, however, a complete pardon is available. What is now stained red, will become white as snow.
Beloved, who among us would refuse the gift of forgiveness of crimes by a benevolent judge? Accepting His offer not only cleanses us, but comes with the additional benefit of prosperity.
Surely we should examine ourselves and recognize our need of a remedy that is outside of our ability to produce on our own. Our Lord offers the greatest deal ever made. We cannot defend ourselves nor hire anyone who can accomplish this impossible task. We need only say yes and yes again in order to be free.
Will you be free today?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
As we walk through life, it is easy to ignore or be unaware of our undone condition. To be sure, we are creatures most miserable indeed and we are made so by the disease of sin. Unless cured, this is a terminal illness and will ultimately result in our death (Rom 3:23a). God relates that it is a fact that our sin is double dyed in the wool and outside of cleansing that is available only from Him, permanent.
As an argument in a court of law, He invites us to first come, which is to say, listen to the argument of the prosecution. This is an invitation specifically to Israel, but by extension to all sinners. Secondly, He condescends to entertain an examination of the evidence and facts. The case against us irrefutable. If we would accept Him, however, a complete pardon is available. What is now stained red, will become white as snow.
Beloved, who among us would refuse the gift of forgiveness of crimes by a benevolent judge? Accepting His offer not only cleanses us, but comes with the additional benefit of prosperity.
Surely we should examine ourselves and recognize our need of a remedy that is outside of our ability to produce on our own. Our Lord offers the greatest deal ever made. We cannot defend ourselves nor hire anyone who can accomplish this impossible task. We need only say yes and yes again in order to be free.
Will you be free today?
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)