Isaiah 1:18-20: If You Are Willing, Says the LORD

by Teresa^(1,655) Bronze Star

I have been searching for various Scriptures for a list I am putting together for a friend of mine with whom I have been discussing some weighty biblical subjects for several years - one being the will of God versus the will of man.

It's amazing to me how the same passage of Scripture can have varying applications while its meaning remains the same.

Such is the case for Isaiah 18-20. Previously I would focus on the joy of forgiveness. However, in relation to the conversation with my friend, another section speaks volumes:

"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. If you are willing, and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword", for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.'"

The context of this entire passage fits with God's message to Israel during a time of rebellion and distance from their LORD. The people complained, wondering why such calamities were upon them.

Most of us can relate - our biggest question is "Why". We want an answer for everything, and we want the answer to fit our needs or our understanding; otherwise, we do not consider it a valid answer. This sometimes leads to running further away from God. Do our actions reflect our thoughts? Is God unreasonable?

According to this verse, God extends an invitation for us to come sit and converse with Him - to "put our cards on the table" so to speak - and He does the same. He makes an incredible offer, tells us how to attain it, and then shares the outcome should we refuse. What is so unreasonable about that? No games. No secrets. No hidden agenda.

IF YOU ARE WILLING

This is the hard part - this is where our will and God's will do not over lap. So where is the reasoning? What if I am not willing. What if I am not obedient. Should He still force His offer/will upon me? If I think He should, who then is the unreasonable one?

God's love is unconditional; nothing can separate us from His love - but we must understand that love and forgiveness of sin are two separate issues.

Love is unconditional. Forgiveness is conditional.

"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2

" The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

The time is now - if we continue to battle against the gracious will of God, we will surely lose.

Article submitted Thursday, July 22, 2010 & read 225 times.

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» left by Laura Trahan (1 year 199 days ago.)

Teresa-How hard is that? "If I am willing. . . " You sure know how to make a person feel convicted! :) Thanks for sharing! Now for the hard part. . .
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» left by Anonymous (1 year 199 days ago.)

Hi LT!

What a nice surprise, its so good to hear from you. LOL - ya, it's not the "big sins" that are hard to be obedient to - its just the little o' things like DYING TO SELF that are difficult. ha :-)

As long as we are moving in the right direction - closer to being like Jesus then farther into the ways of the world and living a compromised life.

We better get to work - this must be what it means to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling".

Love you!

T

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