The Lord is speaking to people who once knew Him but have turned away, “When you spread out your hands, I will HIDE MY EYES from you; Even though you make many prayers, I WILL NOT HEAR. Your hands are full of blood. “WASH YOURSELVES, MAKE YOURSELVES CLEAN…” (Isa. 1:15-18)
PUT AWAY THE EVIL OF YOUR DOINGS FROM BEFORE MY EYES.
- CEASE TO DO EVIL, LEARN TO DO GOOD: These are the two fundamental steps to repentance that Isaiah pleads the Israelites pursue. The Israelites need to rid themselves of all the wickedness they are doing as was stated in the first 15 verses. However, this is just the first step to repentance. After they rid themselves of evil, they must then learn to do good. “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.” (Psa. 37:8)
- SEEK JUSTICE: As Christians we should be motivated by love rather than the law. We are called to actively seek justice and uphold other people’s rights while at the same time we may be called to accept injustice against ourselves. “God has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But TO DO JUSTLY, To love mercy, And to WALK HUMBLY with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
- REBUKE THE OPPRESSOR: Oppression of the weak is common in third-world countries, and entire organizations have been formed in an effort to combat this problem. They realize that this abuse of power will continue and worsen if nothing is done, so they gather legal professionals, law enforcement agents, and social workers to do what the Word of God tells us to do. “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor or if he has OPPRESSED HIS NEIGHBOR or has found something lost and lied about it, if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will RESTORE WHAT HE TOOK by oppression.” (Lev. 6:2-5)
- DEFEND THE FATHERLESS, PLEAD FOR THE WIDOW: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to VISIT ORPHANS AND WIDOWS in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (Jam. 1:27) This verse is describing something that is pure and undefiled in its application and expression. Interesting fact—the Greek word for “pure” is translated as “catharsis” in English, meaning “cleansing”. This is the root from which our word “cathartic” is derived. This refers to an activity or practice which is psychologically or emotionally relieving or cleansing for us.
This section is closed out with this verse, “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.” (Isa. 1:15-18)
-Bill Stockham