Today's Passage: Isaiah 1-2

"They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged." (Isaiah 1:4)

Here Isaiah prophesies to the nation of Israel, the chosen people, concerning their abandonment of the ways of the one true God. They made sacrifices and gathered solemnly in His name but their hearts and actions were wicked. The Lord grew weary, tired, and even hated their religious acts. They were using sacrifices and works to cover up their filthiness but they were not repenting.

God hates when we continue in our sin. We know that because of the blood of Jesus Christ, we have the power to overcome our sin through grace but so often we substitute grace for works. Our works should be a sweet fragrance to the Lord but when our hearts are in continual sin they result in a foul, abominable stench.

"Come now, 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 become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 1:18)