OT Fire Starters – Day 261: Isaiah 1-2

READ: Isaiah 1-2

THINK: It doesn’t matter what you try to do for God, how much time you put into church activities or what religious routines you go through if you personally aren’t in a right relationship with Him. The people of Judah, just like their sister nation Israel, had rebelled against God, but mistakenly thought they could enjoy His favor as long as they kept up their religious rituals, sacrifices and offerings. These things, however, were meaningless to God (1:13) because of the evil and injustice that were rampant among the people. If we aren’t careful, our praises and prayers can also become pretentious, ineffective and disgraceful to God if our hearts aren’t sincerely devoted to Him.

RESPOND: Where did Isaiah’s message come from, and how did he receive it? (See 1:1 first note.) What was the historical background of Isaiah’s ministry, to whom did he deliver his prophecies, and what was his general message (1:1-4)? (See 1:1 second and third notes.) In what ways had Judah and Israel rebelled against God, and what would happen as a result? (See 1:2 note.) Why does Isaiah frequently refer to the Lord as “the Holy One of Israel” (v. 4)? (See 1:4 note.) Why had God allowed Judah to be raided and robbed by other nations (1:7-9)? (See 1:7 note.) Why were the people’s offerings meaningless (1:13), and why did God refuse to listen to their prayers (1:15)? (See 1:11 and 1:15 notes.) What did God expect of His people (1:16-17)? What did God offer His people if they turned from their rebellious ways and followed Him (1:18)? (See 1:18 note.) What did God mean when He said, “I will thoroughly purge away your dross” (1:25)? (See 1:25 note.) When are “the last days” (2:2)? (See 2:2 note.) When will the events described in 2:1-5 be completely fulfilled? (See 2:2-5 note.) Why did Isaiah pray that God would not forgive the people ? (See 2:6-9 note.) What is the “day in store” that Isaiah refers to in 2:12? (See 2:12 note.)

PRAY: Praise the Lord for His purity and holiness. Confess and turn from anything in your life that could keep you from developing His character and following His plans.

ACT: Is there any aspect of your life, character or behavior in which you’re being hypocritical-pretending to be something you aren’t, saying one thing and doing another or acting one way in public and another in private? If so, repent and make a change so your praise and your practice are spiritually authentic and pleasing to God.