Isaiah 1:10-31

“‘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.’” (Isaiah 1:18, NKJV)

God was not pleased with His people. He compared them to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. He accused them of bringing futile sacrifices. They raised their hands to Him in worship, but their hands were full of bloodshed. Therefore, the LORD was hiding His eyes from them, and He was no longer listening to their prayers.

But God gave them the remedy:

-Cease to do evil

-Learn to do good

-Seek justice

-Rebuke the oppressor

-Defend the fatherless

-Plead for the widow

God would not tolerate them going through the motions of worship while they regarded iniquity in their hearts, and they practiced evil with their hands.

Instead, the LORD called them to reason together with Him. Though their sins were like scarlet (with bloodshed), yet they would be made white as snow. If they were willing and obedient, then they would partake of the good of the land.

Likewise, when we come together for worship, God will not tolerate us “playing church” while we are practicing sin. We should first examine ourselves. Are we regarding iniquity in our hearts? Are we making provision for the flesh? Are we mistreating others? Let us deal with these things before coming to worship in the sacred assembly. Then let us raise clean hands and pure hearts without wrath and without doubting. This is worship in spirit and truth in which the Father delights.