It Starts Small

What I love most about our God is that He does not beat around the bush. As he gave Isaiah His Word, we do not have a long introduction. Isaiah introduces himself with a quick who he is and then right into the vision the Lord gave him. Starting in verse 2, the Lord presents His case against His people Israel. He does this in a kind of lawsuit or arraignment. God serves as both the prosecutor and the judge. He explains various ways the people of Israel have broken their covenant with the Lord. (Isaiah 1:2)

The Lord calls the heavens and earth to serve as witnesses or jurors. He then sums up the charges. He has brought up Israel as His children. They have rebelled against Him. Even stubborn donkeys understand who provides their food. Yet, the people of Israel seem to lack this understanding. They try to push away the One who gives them all they need to survive (Isaiah 1:3).

At this point in her history, Israel is a nation saturated with iniquity. Each generation is born from evildoers and continues their corruption. The bad behaviors of their mother’s and fathers is passed on to their children. By their sinfulness, they have estranged themselves from the Holy One of Israel, despising and forsaking Him (Isaiah 1:4).

Isaiah asks why his people want to be destroyed. DO we consider this question when we are tempted to or lured into sin? Isaiah then asks why else would they continue to live in rebellion? Another really good questions to ask ourselves.

He describes the state of the nation as a spiritual sickness. The head is sick, the heart faint, and the body is unsound. I bet we all go around the circle and speak volumes on experiencing this in our own lives. Even though covered with bruises, sores, and open wounds, she will not treat any of her injuries. The nation goes on as if nothing is wrong (Isaiah 1:5–6).

That spiritual sickness has the nation on the path to physical destruction. Isaiah describes a time in Israel’s future as if God’s judgment has already fallen. The country has been decimated, and the cities are burned to the ground. Invading foreigners have destroyed everything in their path. The once great city of Jerusalem will fall like a hut in an unprotected field (Isaiah 1:7–8).

Isaiah adds that if God had not spared a remnant of survivors, Israel would have faced extinction. This would have been like the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:9–10).

Isaiah begins to quote the Lord, who is not impressed with the offerings and sacrifices of the people of Judah. Their offerings, incense, and celebrations are meaningless to the Lord. They are a burden because of the rebellion and sinfulness in their hearts (Isaiah 1:11-15).

The Lord tells the people to clean themselves. They must end their sinful practices. They should start to do the good work of caring for the poor and the powerless among them. God promises to turn the stains of their sin as white as snow if they will repent. They will eat the “good of the land” if they obey. But If they refuse, they will become the food of the enemy’s swords. (Isaiah 1:16-20)

The once faithful city of Jerusalem was known for its justice. Now it has become like a prostitute by worshiping false gods. It has become famous for its injustice. Murderers walk free. The city’s leaders hang out with thieves. Everything runs on bribes and corruption, leaving no hope for orphans and widows to get justice (Isaiah 1:21-23).

The Lord will remove the unfaithful from Israel. He will restore justice to Jerusalem. Those who repent will be redeemed. Those who do not will be broken and consumed (Isaiah 1:24-31).

Consider today why God was mad at Israel. Make a list and let us consider our own lives. Are we living in rebellion? Do we have secret sin in our heart? The Lord is just and also merciful. Is today a day He is calling you to repentance to turn against rebellion and sin?

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