58:1
Throughout Isaiah we see a very different approach to “evangelism” than we so often find in the church today. On the one hand the promises of salvation are amazing, salvation without limits. At the same time there is no reluctance whatsoever to confront the sinfulness of the people. Isaiah is told to shout aloud, without holding back, to raise his voice like a trumpet. Ie this is to be done with great gusto. And what is the message that is to be proclaimed so clearly? The people are to be told of their rebellion against God and of their sins. Jesus came to save us from our sins. Yet today we are so reluctant to speak to people about sin, and about their sin.
58:2
The people of Israel had an outward appearance of devotion to God, but it was all a sham. They appeared eager to know God’s ways, but in truth things were far different. They put on the facade of being a nation that does what is right, yet in reality they had forsaken the ways of God, they did not follow His commands. They would ask God for just decisions, but would ignore the word of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment