Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Galatians 6:15.

We come to our new Chapter, Isaiah 1. Isaiah was a prophet of God. He was showing the people that their way was not God’s way. Jesus spoke in the parable of Matthew 21:33-44, about the servants God sent that were killed, including the Son, because the people did not want to hear. Isaiah was one of those servants, faithful to God. God’s Truth is not the truth of this world and only God’s way brings healing to hearts turned to Him. Isaiah’s prophecies from God are just as important for us today.

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, My people do not understand. v. 2-3. Can you imagine? This should break our hearts. Think of our own pets or stock animals. They know who is their master. We don’t. Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness – only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with olive oil. v. 5-6. In our rebellion against Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit, we turn away from His healing and are left with sores and wounds that are gaping and painful. Even our worship becomes painful to God. “The multitude of your sacrifices – what are they to Me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of My courts? Stop bringing Me meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your worthless assemblies…They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide My eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!”…v. 11-15. We may not offer animal sacrifices today. What worship do we offer? Are our nations hands full of blood? And what does God tell us? What has He always told His children? Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of My sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now and let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. v. 16-20. What does God say of Jerusalem or of any of our cities continuing in sin? See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her – but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them. v. 21-23. Does that sound awfully familiar? What is needed for Jerusalem and for all of us? I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. v. 25-26.

We are so steeped in the ways of this world, we can’t imagine any other way. There is a Truth that is God’s. It is not the world’s truth, or yours or mine. Only God’s Truth saves us. God’s way brings healing to hearts turned to Him. Behold. God is faithful. He is the One who will save us.