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The vision of Isaiah son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt-offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand? Trample my courts no more; bringing offerings is futile; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and calling of convocation— I cannot endure solemn assemblies with iniquity. Your new moons and your appointed festivals my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them. When you stretch out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like 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. (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20)
The old story tells of the man who died and stands before Saint Peter expecting entrance into the Heavenly gates. The man identifies himself and Peter asks him what he did with his life declaring that you must score 100 points to gain entrance. He says that he was married to the same woman for sixty years and completely faithful to her the entire time of their marriage. Peter replied that was worth one point. "One point?" argues the man, "Is that all?!" Yes, says the saint; what else have you done? The man said he sang in the church choir for all his life. "Great," said Peter, "that's worth another point. Well, states the man, I was a tither and gave to second mile campaigns in the church. "Great, another point!" Another point, declares the man, at that rate the only way I'll get in is by the grace of God! "That's correct, 100 points! Come on in!"
God's grace desires our relationship with God, not religious acts. Our faith should and does motivate us to do good, but we do it not for points or appearances, we do it because we love God and seek to love God's creation, which includes other people. The prophet Isaiah as he begins his book lists God's complaints against an empty religious people, who went through the motions of good religious deeds, but who showed nothing of love and compassion for others. God answers, "Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, please for the widow," and as a result of this the Lord says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Those are the marks of one in love and in a true relationship with God.
PRAYER: Loving God, help me go beyond motions to meaning and purpose. Help me be the example of what it means to love and serve You. Bless me so that I may bless others. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Please pray for Davis Barnett, son of Kim and Rev. Ryan Barnett, undergoing a procedure today to have tubes placed in his ears. Pray for Mom and Dad to know the calm assurance of God's presence.
