Week of July 2

“Come, let us reason, together, that’s what God says,” provides a melodious reminder of the familiar Christian song, but similar words in our focal passage sounded an ominous chord among Israel’s first listeners. Truthfully, the Lord was summoning all of creation to bear witness to His covenant with Israel and to hear His “accusation against His rebellious people” (HCBC). He loved them, but they had been extraordinarily disobedient and had rejected Him. Let’s learn from the Lord’s loving rebuke today.

Isaiah provides us with a critical understanding of God’s severe judgment upon Israel due to that nation’s covenant rebellion. The prophecy holds much for our lives today because he shows us that God’s salvation may come through a purifying judgment (cf. HCBC)!

We will see several important parallels between then and now when we consider the themes of Jerusalem (cf. our nationalism), God’s Servant who brings redemption (cf. Jesus Christ), and God’s sovereignty over the nations. We will read over and over again God’s claim that He holds sway over the idol-gods of the nations. We may see the immediate moral implications in each of these themes. We have a lot to “see,” don't we?!

My mind thinks of my grandchildren who must remain at the table until they have eaten enough of their meals to keep them nourished. Our own personal meal-time struggles with parental authority do linger in our own memories, but this passage addresses so much more.

I use the illustration as a stepping stone to help us elevate our minds and hearts Godward. The historical backdrop speaks of the stubbornness of God’s people because, despite the horrors of a military invasion, they refused to turn back to God. Let me widen our understanding a bit more.

Do you recall the empty store shelves during the 2020 pandemic? Shortages led to hoarding of certain items and empty store shelves. Some of our global Christian brothers and sisters experience this reality much of the time! I recall sharing paper goods with neighbors, who in turn shared fruits and vegetables with us. There was a sense of uncertainty, and a heightened spiritual awareness at that time, but the physical challenges did not lead many folks to any lasting revival. Hmm.

God calls for His people to demonstrate hearts that both love Him and love their neighbors, all of the time. It is interesting that God likens His people in Isaiah's day to the extremely wicked Sodom and Gomorrah, denounced their hypocritical worship, and demanded that they “promote social justice” in the land (HCBC).

Thankfully, Christians here and around the world recently responded to the great humanitarian crises in Turkey and Syria when the earthquake struck and in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, but there remains widespread social injustice around the globe. God requires His people to obey, and when they do, they will receive forgiveness and continued blessings (v. 18). If they disobey, then this rebellion will result in destruction (v. 19). So, what should we do?

The famous call in verse 18 has been interpreted in more than one way by Bible scholars. First, some see the verse as an offer of total forgiveness, since verses 19-20 seem to provide the divine conditions. Second, some scholars see the language in the verses to be ironic and translate the latter part of the verse as “if your sins be as scarlet, shall they be as white as snow?” Wow! That certainly will melt the smores at the youth retreat campfire!

The Hebrew language permits both interpretations but most recent scholars lean toward the former. So, don’t text your kids at camp and tell them that you are coming to pick them up just yet! God has something to say to us that we will want to hear, regardless of its severity. Why don’t we take both interpretations and bind them together as one? Let me explain.

Even when we, ourselves, experience the discipline of God to the point that life seems hopeless, isn’t there always that glimmer of hope in His deliverance? This is certainly the case not because of any inherent merit on our parts but because of God’s covenant love.

Verse 18 contains a “says the Lord” which reminds us that there is an opportunity to resolve the accusations against Judah and to request forgiveness of sins! Notice that God does not demean or demand Judah, nor does He deny them an opportunity to respond positively. The door is open to those who will respond to His appeal (cf. Revelation 3:20).

It is a simple illustration, but hotels most often provide their guests with a key card for entering their rooms. We swipe a card, and a green light signals that we may open the door to access our room. One way in! We could jiggle the door handle, kicked the door, scream “Be open door,” push with all our strength, and even use a crow bar to break and enter, but that approach will never work. Well, now that I think of it, it might ultimately open the way to stay for free on tax-payer dollars at the local jail, but that is not my point.

Here is a spiritual application. God’s “key card” is stated in this verse: “Come,” which is an imperative, “to determine what is right” in order to enter into a renewed relationship with Him. God offers grace. Take Him up on the offer!

1. Imperatives like “come” indicate that God possesses a level of authority than many contemporary Christians find to be so—how may I state it?—out of vogue. Well, that word is our “key card” to forgiveness and hope. Take God up on the offer. Draw near to Him in humble dependence.

2. We provide people a severe disservice when we do not preach a gospel of repentance and forgiveness for sin. Isaiah’s prophecy applies to our teaching and preaching today. Commit your church to sharing the whole truth about God’s mercy. 

3. For Families: This simple activity will help illustrate to our little ones the importance of responding to God’s invitation to forgiveness when they rebel. Place a lock on the table (perhaps a keyed one or a combination device). Ask them, how would they try to open it if they did not have a key or know the code? They will come up with some incredible ideas! Point out to them that God’s “key” to forgiveness is found in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16-17). Tell them that God does require the readiness to receive forgiveness (salvation) and the desire to follow Him in the right way (discipleship).

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock