I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.
Today, I am reading and commenting on Isaiah 57-59.
Isaiah condemns those who mock both God and those who worship Him while worshiping their idols with great passion. I see a connection with those in today’s society who have made a sacrament out of abortion while laughing at those who follow the traditional practices of Christianity. Isaiah refers to how they keep seeking after new and different idols, yet refuse to consider God when their idols fail them. And yet I also see a warning to those who have continued to worship God when Isaiah tells us to clear the road for their return. We must seek out what obstacles we have placed in the way of those who may turn back to God. Each of us must examine our lives to see if there is something we have done, or are doing, which presents an obstacle to others turning back to God. If we find such a thing in our lives, we must immediately remove it, we must humbly seek God and change so that He can call the sinners back to Himself.
We must examine ourselves to see if we are the ones to whom Isaiah is referring when he talks of those who act pious, but are not. When we follow the traditional practices of Christians, are we doing so in order to serve God? Or, are we merely putting on a show for those around us? Do we do the things which God commands in order to demonstrate God’s love? Or, are we seeking to be honored by others? Rather than seeking honor for our piety, let us be humble and contrite about our sins. Then, and only then, God will forgive us, welcome us, and bless us.