Wilderness Living Spring｜God is still redeeming the rebellious people

Isaiah was called to be a prophet of Judah and served four dynasties successively for about 60 years. At that time, the nation established by the Jewish nation had already been divided into "the northern kingdom of Israel " and the " southern kingdom of Judah ". In 722 BC, Isaiah saw with his own eyes the fall of the northern kingdom and the captivity of his subjects, but the performance of the southern kingdom was still stubborn, and he seemed to be about to follow the footsteps of ruin. So Isaiah boldly spoke out the "inspiration" of God he had received.

In the first chapter of Isaiah, Isaiah first and his angry tone scolded the people of Judah for their disobedience ; (Isaiah 1:4) to speak for the wrath of God. The greatest disobedience of all is to forsake the Lord. The only remaining Zion (Jerusalem) will be the besieged city. Isaiah believed that if the Lord had not left a remnant of seed, " we would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah " (Isaiah 1:9).

Not only that, but even the rulers of Judah fell into sin with the people. God does not want the Judah to offer some meaningless offerings. New moons and feasts are meaningless to God because they are only formal. All God wants is: obedience, self-purification, and righteousness. Obedience is better than sacrifice, self-purification and righteousness are more pleasing to God. Isaiah said through the oracle:

Wash yourselves, cleanse yourselves, and put away your evil deeds from my sight; stop doing evil, learn to do good, seek justice, deliver the oppressed, avenge the orphan, defend the widow. (Isaiah 1:16-17)

It is only in this situation that God promises to forgive Judah's ministers and people, so that they will not be destroyed.

If you obey willingly, you will eat the good things of the earth; but if you do not obey, but disobey, you will be swallowed up by the sword. "This is what the Lord himself said. ( Isaiah 1:19-20 )

If he can follow the advice and turn back to God, God's promise is to help him " refine the dross " ( Isaiah 1:25 ) , "purge the impurities " ( Isaiah 1:25 ) , and make Judah a " city of righteousness " ( Isaiah 1:25). Isaiah 1:27 ) , that the people of Judah may be " redeemed " ( Isaiah 1:27 ) . Otherwise it will be self-defeating.

thank God! In chapter 1 of the Book of Isaiah, we see the majesty and righteous side of God, as well as the gracious and forgiving side of God. The people of God have only two choices: to be forgiven or to be punished . God's love is always amazing, the words of reproof have not fallen, and the promise of forgiveness has been brought out, just like a father! At that time, God was determined to save the fallen city of Zion. Did it inspire you and me, who are more rebellious and have stronger criminal habits?