Isaiah 1-2
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Isaiah was a prophet, a messenger that God used to speak to His
people, in the time when the Kingdom of Israel had split into the northern
(Israel) and southern kingdoms (Judah).
Isaiah paints a picture of how things are going in Isaiah 1. People have an abundance. There is no shortage of sacrifices or
celebrations. But there is a lack
of compassion on others. Some of
their actions and how they look on the outside might be good, but their heart
is not.
Isaiah does not sugarcoat God’s word for them. “Stop bringing meaningless
offerings! Your incense is
detestable to me.” Everything was
for appearance and just going through the motions. Their worship was not real; it was not transforming. This reminded me of the passage in
Revelation, the message to the church in Laodicea: “I know your deeds, that you
are neither cold, nor hot. I wish
you were either one or the other!
So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit
you out of my mouth.” (3:15-16)
God wants a life of worship, not just to show up on Sunday doing
and saying all the right things and to forget about it and live how you want
the rest of the week. He wants us
to experience His presence and to be changed by it … for every part of our
lives to reflect His image and His love.
“Quit your worship charades.
I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly
Sabbaths, special meetings – meetings, meetings, meetings – I can’t stand one
more! Meetings for this, meetings
for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion,
religion while you go right on sinning.
When you put on your next prayer-performance I’ll be looking the other
way.” (Isaiah 1:13-15 The Message)
God does not want religion.
He does not want the performance.
He wants it to be real.
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