Back To Basics

Back To Basics

Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow. Isa 1:17

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1 The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. 2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: "I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." 4 Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him. Isaiah 1:1-4 (NIV)

17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. 18 "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 as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; 20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:17-20 (NIV)

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God’s people were not living up to their potential. God was not part of their
daily experience. They were distracted and reveling in their own possessions,
abilities and resourcefulness.

God uses the prophet Isaiah to help the people set a new course. Actually, it is the
original course, but they were off on a tangent and had to return to the One whom
they said was their Lord. The message begins by noting that the people who
claimed to follow God were following everything but God in the things that matter.
They had managed to package God into a few sacrifices and celebrations that
had become mere rituals, devoid of heartfelt honouring of God. They had
learned how to reason their way out of obedience when they desired
to go down some sinful paths.

Thankfully, the prophet does not dwell on the mistakes. He tells those who would
honour God in their lives that they should leave the old way and set a new course.
He even spells out the new goals on which to focus.
Finally, Isaiah shares the good news that God forgives people who acknowledge
their error and who desire to walk with Him, “Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow.” (Isa 1:18)

Have you said that you want to ask God about His will for you and your life?
Do you want to know how you can experience a closer relationship with God?
Today’s assignment is to listen and, as opportunity arises, reject those things
that are keeping you away from God and accept opportunities of service.
“Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the
fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isa 1:17)

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Heavenly Father, You have blessed me by giving me the Scriptures containing so
many of Your insights and providing me with wise counsel. I want to thank You for
this special treasure. I marvel at how the words of people from earliest times have
been preserved and made so available today. I am amazed at how consistent the
message is as men and women have experienced Your touch in their lives.
May Your Holy Spirit illuminate these pages for me so that I may grow in
my knowledge of You. More than that, may I live in an ever deeper
relationship with You. Amen.

- Noel Churchman

Noel was the Executive Director of Christian Horizons form 1976 to 2001. The devotionals we will be using are from a book he wrote in 2005 called “Walking with God”. Noel’s reflections are grounded in his experiences as an educator, and provider of supports for individuals with exceptional needs as well as his life as a dedicated follower of Christ.