This morning I was reading in the book of Isaiah. The first chapter is an introduction to the book, but really an introduction to the theme of an era in the history of the nation of Israel. Through the prophet, God is recounting the story of His people and explaining the why of what is coming. He talks about Israel as a child. He raised it with love as His own (vs. 2). He goes on to explain that those same children have chosen to rebel and live apart from Him as they pursue their own agendas. As a result, they have suffered greatly. (vs. 3-9) He explains that the big problem is that their heart is simply far from God. They keep being religious, but their sacrifices and offerings are simply rituals. They are no longer motivated by love and devotion (vs. 10-15). He beckons them to come to Him, to wash themselves. He says, “Let us reason together”, Let’s talk about this…”Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land. But if you resist and rebel (continue going your own way in self-worship), you will be devoured by the sword.” (vs. 18-20)
Wow, what a word for all times. I began to think of what Israel is facing, even today. I began to think, “wow, the prophecy still rings true.” I began to think about how bad Israel is doing and how as a nation, they are far from Him. I decided to go ahead and blog my thoughts this morning, so I opened my account. When the start page of my blog opened up, something caught my attention. I didn’t know that the Lord was about ready to change the direction of the whole blog. I saw the tag-line, clicked on the following link, and my heart sank. Here, check it out for yourself. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/07/porn-industry-seeks-federal-bailout/
We are Israel. Our founding Fathers founded the United States on a call from God for a different kind of nation. They did not intend an atheistic nation – a nation devoid of God. They intended quite the opposite. Religion and government had so sickly mixed in European nations, that dictators and rulers used the “authority” of the church and religion as a tool for manipulation and power. These people were not lovers of God, they were lovers of themselves first, then “friends” with the established religious organization of the day. Their “New Moon festivals” had become rituals that were not about God at all. Religion became anything but a pursuit of God. It became a weapon and a tool for selfish gain.
Our founding fathers did not want religion to be a sick and twisted form of power over the people or a means for individuals or government to get what they want. They wanted it to remain pure – absent of the trappings of political power, money and control. They wanted people to be able to freely worship God without being angry with God because “His leaders” were really evil dictators. This confused many about what God was really all about. But, many generations later, our “people” have managed to find a way to once again strip the intentions of a people to serve and honor God with the best of who we are. We are quickly becoming a nation in “resistance and rebellion” to the voice of God.
Pray for Israel today. Pray for America today. And if you have the time, pray for the future of this planet and the people God has put here with us these days. Pray for your family. Pray for your church. Pray for yourself. We cannot lose sight of what is important. We are here to worship God with our lives. Are you “celebrating the new moon festival” for a reason other than pure worship? Are you attending church or reading your Bible as a ritual or are you seeking an intimate encounter with your loving Father?
There is hope. God describes His vision in Isaiah 2:2-5. He is God. And this will happen. God is redeeming this broken world and there is hope and joy for those who love and seek Him. Where will you be when Heaven comes down?
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