Verse of the Day 9/22

Through the Bible - Song of Solomon 7, Isaiah 1, Galations 2

Good morning,
I've been sending out these "Verse of the Day" devotionals now for more than 4 years. It started with something I started to send out to the men's Bible study group that I was leading at the time. At that time we were studying the book of Isaiah.
This morning's verse will come from the Old Testament reading above, Isaiah chapter 1.
Isa 1:17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.

18 "Come now, and let us reason together,"
Says the Lord,
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool. NKJV

The verses are probably better remembered for the call to "do good, seek justice and to defend and plead" for the less fortunate, as well as the reference to the cleansing power of the coming Messiah.

But what we'll look at as our Bible study group did back then was the simple phrase "come now, and let us reason togther". The call is to make a "legal decision". It's almost like a courtroom decision. The evidence is weighed, testimonies, witnesses have stated their case. Now it is time to decide. Having heard what they had been called to do in the previous verse the decision to made is "will I decide to follow" to live my life that way?

Here it denotes the kind of contention, or argumentation, which occurs in a court of justice, where the parties reciprocally state the grounds of their cause. God had been addressing magistrates particularly, and commanding them to seek judgment, to relieve the oppressed, to do justice to the orphan and widow; all of which terms are taken from courts of law. He here continues the language, and addresses them as accustomed to the proceedings of courts, and proposes to submit the case as if on trial. He then proceeds (Isa 1:18-20), to adduce the principles on which he is willing to bestow pardon on them; and submits the case to them, assured that those principles will commend themselves to their reason and sober judgment. (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database)

As we study God's Word, listen to messages, and pray, we are still being called daily by the Holy Spirit, "come, let us reason together",

It is still the thought behind these devotionals. My hope is that they may spur some of you on.

Read the passage below from "The Message". How does it speak to you today?

I have created a blog where you can read these same devotionals and also have the opportunity to convey your thoughts and insights into the verses and the devotionals.
I don't know where it is going, but much like how these devotionals started, I feel compelled that it is something that I am supposed to view. If you haven't done so you can click on http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com to go to the blog. It is available at the bottom of these devotionals on most days.

If God lays something on your heart, don't be afraid to share it.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net


Isa 1:13-21

"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.No matter how long or loud or often you pray,I'll not be listening.And do you know why? Because you've been tearingpeople to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up.Clean up your act.Sweep your lives clean of your evildoingsso I don't have to look at them any longer.Say no to wrong. Learn to do good.Work for justice.Help the down-and-out.Stand up for the homeless.Go to bat for the defenseless.
Let's Argue This Out
"Come. Sit down. Let's argue this out."This is God's Message:"If your sins are blood-red,they'll be snow-white.If they're red like crimson,they'll be like wool. If you'll willingly obey,you'll feast like kings. But if you're willful and stubborn,you'll die like dogs."That's right. God says so.

(from THE MESSAGE: )