ISAIAH 1:10-20

In Isaiah 1:2, God speaks to heaven and earth telling them of the rebellion of His earthly people. At various points to verse 9 of the chapter, He addresses the nation directly showing their revolt and the result of it. But in verse 10 special emphasis is placed on a message to "the rulers of Sodom" and "people of Gomorrah". Verse 9 states emphatically that, were it not for a very small remnant, the people of God would have suffered the same fate as these cities of the plain. But here rulers and people are addressed spiritually (see Revelation 11:8) by the names of these ill-fated places.

Concerning the men of Sodom, whom Lot, the nephew of Abraham, chose as his companions, it is said they were "wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13). Such was undoubtedly the condition of God's people in Isaiah's day.

What was their trouble? That it was not lack of religion is clearly shown from verses 10-14. There was a multitude of sacrifices being offered - and there is nothing to say that such were of the kind offered in Malachi's day - the blind, the lame, the sick and the torn. They appear to have been the best available. Their blood was poured out before the altar, just as the Lord commanded Moses. The feasts were kept, new moons, sabbaths, trumpets, and even the great day of atonement. Yet there was nothing for God in them. He had said in Leviticus 23, "These are My feasts" but here He calls them "your feasts." A sad condition indeed is this. The whole system of Judaism has lost its significance for God, His ears are closed to the cries of His people and His eyes to the spreading forth of their hands. Iniquity abounds. "Your hands are full of blood."

Is there a way out, a way back from the awful, lifeless formality which surrounds them? Must they forever remain in this condition? Not if they take positive action. God's requirements are plainly and positively, set out from verses 16 to 18 with a promise of complete cleansing. Firstly there is the washing "make you clean... cease to do evil" (v. 16). Then there is the re-education in God's ways. "Learn to do well" (v. 17). This verse shows what is involved - a forsaking of the selfish attitude of the Pharisee, for a genuine merciful and gracious approach to the needs of others. This is indeed and in truth pure religion, no less so in our day than in that of Isaiah, (see James 1:27).

How often has verse 18 been used in presenting the gospel to sinners, and rightly so. But like many another such verse, it was written to God's people, and His glorious invitation to those afar off is to "come". Nor are they to wait one moment, until iniquity is purged, until by their own efforts they have earned His favour. "Come now" is the invitation. God places Himself at the disposal of His erring rebellious creatures in an attitude of conciliation - not for one moment abandoning His holiness, though ready to enfold in loving embrace the objects of His favour. And there is a portion here for the returning prodigals, as grand as aught that shines upon the sacred page. "Though your sins be as scarlet" and as scarlet they were, "they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool."

All that is required is an acknowledgment of God and His ways. "If ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat of the good of the land." The pages of scripture abound with God's promises of blessing on the obedient. And there is nothing that God desires or values more than simple, yet implicit obedience to His commands - nor anything that He will more greatly reward. The path to fatness and to prosperity is clearly laid down.

But the same voice as utters the precious promises in connection with those who will hear and heed, also enunciates clearly the consequences of rebellion against the word of the Lord. "Ye shall be devoured with the sword." It is sad to relate that, despite the warnings and entreaties of Isaiah and the other prophets, Israel chose to rebel against God and His messengers. We read in 2 Chronicles 32 that the messengers were mocked, their words despised, and the prophets misused. God's wrath was kindled and He allowed the king of the Chaldeans to come against His people, to slay many, and to carry the remainder into captivity for seventy long years.

There is, in the message of God through Isaiah, a voice for His people of this age. Love to Christ and to God is manifest by the keeping of His commandments (John 14:15, 21 etc.). And this love finds response in the heart of the Godhead (John 14:23). May it then be our portion to demonstrate our love by the observance of the commands of God as set forth in the scriptures - and be saved from the spiritual shipwreck caused by erring from the faith, (see I Timothy 1:19, II Timothy 2:17,18). Our constant prayer should be that of Saul of Tarsus (as he then was) on the day of his conversion (Acts 9:6), "Lord what wilt Thou have me to do."