SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022
TEXT: Isaiah
1:10-20
10. You
officers of Sodom, listen to the LORD’S message. You people of Gomorrah, listen
to God’s teaching.
11. The
LORD says, “Why do you continue giving me all these sacrifices? I have had
enough of your sacrifices of rams and the fat from well-fed animals. I don’t
want the blood of those bulls, sheep, and goats.
12.
When you people come to meet with me, you trample everything in my yard. Who
told you to do this?
13.
“Don’t keep bringing me those worthless sacrifices. I hate the incense you give
me. I cannot stand your festivals for the New Moon, the Sabbath, and other
special meeting days. I hate the evil you do during those holy times together.
14. I
hate your monthly meetings and councils. They have become like heavy weights to
me, and I am tired of carrying them.
15.
“When you raise your arms to pray to me, I will refuse to look at you. You will
say more and more prayers, but I will refuse to listen because your hands are
covered with blood.
16.
“Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean. Stop doing the evil things I see
you do. Stop doing wrong.
17.
Learn to do good. Treat people fairly. Punish those who hurt others. Speak up
for the windows and orphans. Argue their cases for them in court.
18. “I,
the LORD, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your
sins are a dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure
as wool that is as white as snow.
19. “If
you listen to what I say, you will get the good things from this land.
20. But
if you refuse to listen and rebel against me, your enemies will destroy you.”
(Easy-to-Read
Version Holy Bible)
TOPIC: GIVE
UP YOUR EVIL WAYS
Instead of listening to and
obeying the Word of the Lord, the Israelites were looking for a shortcut to
God. They were making sacrifices, giving gifts and offerings, engaging in
fasting and pious meeting and covering their hands with the blood of innocent victims.
God told them to repent and
give up their evil ways, do good, seek justice and help the oppressed. God made
it clear to them that their lives would only be meaningful and acceptable if
they truly abandon their sins and come to Him.
God is not interested in
shortcuts. To be accepted, you need to come directly to Him in simple obedience
and He will give you a life that is worth living.
QUESTION: Do
you know that your sacrifices, offerings and gifts to the Lord without complete
obedience to Him are complete wastes?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help me to focus my attention on You and not embark on evil ways or
take shortcuts, in Jesus name, Amen.
Remain
Blessed
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