Verse of the Day 5/21

Verse of the Day 5/31

Isaiah 1:17-18    learn to do good;

seek justice,
    correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
    plead the widow's cause.

¹⁸ "Come now, 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 become like wool.  English Standard Version (ESV)

   

Yesterday we considered how we are to "listen", to learn from God's Word and to let it be the guiding force, the guiding light in our lives in this oftentimes dark world.

In today's verse from the first chapter from the prophet Isaiah's writings we see what this guidance should lead to - seeking justice - what is right, correcting oppression - freeing people from the things that hold them captive; help the fatherless and look after widows.

I heard it preached before and it comes to mind each time that I read verse 18 that this "reasoning" is making a legal decision, it is weighing the evidence from God's Word and His works versus our own opinions.  Blackaby writes, "Take time to reason together with your Lord.  He will hear your cry, cleanse you from your sin, and lead you on to the right path.  Also, know that your simple-but-not-easy assignment is easier when you rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance."

The passage from The Message begins with a call to "stop the charade and religious games" and get serious.  Come before God with your questions and doubts, seek answers from God's Word.  He is calling us to "argue this out", give it your best shot.  In the end, God's Word will prevail and should order the course of our lives for the rest of our lives.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Isaiah 1:16-20The Message (MSG)

^13-17 "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 tearing
    people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.
Go home and wash up.
    Clean up your act.
Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings
    so 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

^18-20 "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.