“‘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 as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” – Isaiah 1:18-20
In the first two verses of Isaiah 1 it lays out the reason for the speech the prophet gave concerning Judah and Jerusalem. It was a vision given to him by the Lord during the reigns of four kings of Judah. Israel had a long history of sin, rebellion and disobedience to the Lord and this vision spoke directly to that, pointing out their sins and saying that their sacrifices were meaningless to Him.
Throughout my years as a believer I have heard verse 18 countless times, but I have never heard verses 19-20, which are tied to 18. I believe it speaks directly to every believer and even to the United States. In fact, it applies to any nation who seeks the face of the one true God. As believers we sin. In spite of all good intentions, we sin. Like Paul declares in Romans 7:15, we do that which we know not to do and don’t do that which we know we should do. We live our lives with one eye on the world and one on the Lord. We are divided in our hearts and minds. We strive to please God yet allow those things around us which could never save us to influence us. We have received a promise from God. While our sins have been paid for by Christ’s death on the cross, we still end up sinning. God continues to forgive if we confess our sin and make a 180 degree turn from it.
God makes a conditional statement in verse 19. He starts out with the word ‘if’. “If you are willing and obedient …”; BUT (*) if you resist and rebel.” Consequences. We cannot avoid them, no matter what we do. As believers, if we want to prosper (even as our soul prospers - 3 John 1:2), we need to be willing to hear the voice of God and obey His instructions. We strain at the leash, wanting to go our own way. God will allow it full knowing it is not the best course to follow. Don’t be obstinate. Strain at the leash no longer.
Walk with the King and be a blessing!!
(*) my capitalization.
