The right choice

Isaiah 1

When Israel was established with the law of Moses, God challenged the people to:
- Choose life and obey My commands
- Disobey and perish
(See Deuteronomy 30:19)

From then until the days of Isaiah, the people of Israel have been in an endless cycle of idolatry and sin, then sorrowful repentance.

Isaiah speaks to Judah in a divided nation, at a time when God has allowed cities to burn with fire and be stripped by foreigners (7) as an act of judgement upon the people. They have 'rebelled' (2); they are 'loaded with guilt' (4); they have 'turned their backs' (4) on God.

But these acts of judgement are meant to work as signposts to point the people back to God. He tells them through the prophet that He has 'no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats' (11), and they must stop 'bringing meaningless offerings' (13). God doesn't want people going through religious motions, but for real change in their hearts and conduct.

'Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed' (16-17).

'Come now, let us reason together... Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' (18-20)

God is willing and able to forgive the sins of His people. He again reminds them of His covenant promises:
-Obey and be blessed
-Rebel and perish.

Given such a choice, the right path seems obvious, but we need to constantly fight our pride and sinful nature in order to follow God whole-heartedly.