Journal Through the Bible: Week 56 Wednesday

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Isaiah chapter 1

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Isaiah 1:18

Does God issue any commands?

• The people had turned the sacrifices and offerings that God required into rituals so He commanded that they have their hearts cleansed.
• When God told them to wash their actions and do things that proved their repentance He told them to judge honestly and to relieve the burdens of widows and orphans.
• If they didn't repent they would be devoured by the sword.

Does God make any promises?

• If they would have their sins washed, as well as be willing and obedient they would eat the good of the land.
• God promised future restoration where everything would be set right once more and sinners will be destroyed.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• God said that He was tired of sacrifices and had no delight in them. That's because they were ritual works and not offerings made from repentant hearts. Only the acceptance of Jesus as a sacrifice for the substitution for sin will please God and not any works of righteousness that we have done.
• Just like during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, in this chapter God tells them to cleanse their ways and show works that prove the were repentant.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• God promised to purge the dross, restore righteous judges and counselors as at the beginning, and call Zion "The city of Righteousness, the faithful city."