July 8

Isaiah 1-4
“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.”  It has always been God’s desire to reason with His children.  He understands our weakness, acknowledges our sinful ways, and is heartbroken by our rebellion.  Still, He stands at the ready to forgive, forget, and restore.  Isaiah, arguably the chief of messianic prophets, begins his book of prophecy this way.  He has had a ringside seat, witnessing the atrocities committed by the Israelites.  Even though they had the benefit of history, they chose to ignore the lessons of the past.  Sodom was destroyed because of the rampant, perverted sexual activity, yet Israel has allowed the same perversion to run rampant, even engaging male prostitutes at their holy shrines!  Even so, God is willing to let bygones be bygones if they will only sit at the table of reason and mercy.  He only asks for repentance, to turn from the sins of the past and seek His righteousness.  Oh Lord, may my people, the people of my nation, sit at your table of reason, reflect upon how far we have fallen, and repent, so that you may remove the sin from our land.  Have mercy upon us, for we have sinned greatly and need cleansing.  In Jesus name, Amen!