Isaiah is such a rich book of wisdom, prophecy, and application. Reading through it, I understand that this was written for the Israelites. However, we can glean some applications to our own lives here in the present. God gave Isaiah messages for His people to prepare for something big. He warned of impending consequences, and He coached His people toward His righteousness and goodness.
Now, if you have read Isaiah from beginning to end, you’ll know that the Israelites still complained and changed direction many times away from what was commanded of them. However, God still provided hope in promising His “Suffering Servant,” which is spoken of throughout Isaiah but is special detail at the end of chapter 52 into chapter 53. But in the beginning of the book, I noticed something.
In the first chapter, I noticed a list. It seemed to me like a to do list of sorts. In verses 16 and 17, it states:
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow."
It seems to me like an ultimatum from God. This is sort of like He is gearing me up for something. I see Him telling me to prepare for greatness because He loves us so much. And one of my interpretations to apply to my own spirit was that God was preparing the Israelites to be presented as His representative to the world, as though telling the world, “See what I have done for them, saving them, protecting them, and providing for them. I can and will do all of this and more for you who enter into My Love. This is just the beginning, just a fraction of my protection, provision, compassion and steadfast love. Enter into My house, My Family.” This speaks directly to my spirit, soul, and heart.
Then, He follows it by verses 18-20:
"Come now, and 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 be as wool. If your are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Wow! What a message! He says to me, “begin to wipe up the mess, and I will thoroughly rid you of impurities. Don’t fight against my gentle love. Rest and be comforted as the sin and dirt is purged from My beautiful creation. I want to present you to the world as a testament of My steadfast love. And as you have come into My love, I want to bring others into My peace and joy with us.” This is what I hear God telling me.
And He says to me, “if you don’t want to be clean, if you want to continue in dirtiness and sin, the world will destroy you, My beautiful creation, that I made to enjoy the peace, joy, and love that I have presented before you. You have the choice. Even though it pains me to see you turn away from this costly gift, which is just the tip of the iceberg of lavish love I have stored up for you. I want only goodness for you, but in loving you, I will not force you to accept this expensive and precious gift. I will not force you to receive the jewels and pearls I have prepared for you. There are consequences to both choices. Turning to me is absolutely more wonderful than anything you can obtain anywhere else. And I love you so much.”
I hear this when I read this. I believe God is pure goodness and love. He is the Almighty Creator of the Universe, all-powerful, all-knowing, and yet personal and intentional with us. We are to be personal and intentional with others. He is just so good to us.
Just to explain, in case I haven’t communicated this well, these are things that I hear the Spirit telling my spirit in this very moment. He knows what I NEED to hear. And that is so comforting for me. I pray y’all are encouraged with this.
Gotta go fill up my cup…..
Coffee with Candee 