Isaiah 1:16-17 
“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil, 
Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow. 

Application: 

In Isaiah 1:10-23, the tone is straightforward about the people’s evil practices and God’s view of them. The citizens did all the right things outwardly: they brought offerings to the temple and observed the religious festivals (1:13–14). Thus, they thought they were fine in God’s eyes. But the Lord brushed aside all their outward acts: What are all your sacrifices to me?… I have had enough of burnt offerings.… I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats (1:11). 

The only remedy for the people’s sin was repentance and cleansing. True repentance, the inner resolve and determination to turn from sin and return to God, would be evident in the nation’s treatment of the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow—the weakest members of society (1:17) [to include the unborn child*]. True religion is not selfish. It helps those who can do nothing in return for what is offered to them. By contrast, the charity of false religion is more of a business deal than an expression of faith in action.

In Isaiah’s day, orphans and widows were the poorest of the poor. They needed help. Because they were essentially powerless, they were often victims of injustice. So God warned his people to defend the helpless. To live out a faith that is valuable to God, we must reach out to those who can’t help themselves [excluding the lazy (2 Thessalonians 3:10)*]. Why? Because that’s what our heavenly Father did for us. When we were sinners and could do nothing for God, God in Christ became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in him (2 Cor 5:21). God wants his children to act like their Father.

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 636-637.
*Reference: Ricardo R.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write articles glorifying God. I invite you to view this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have written is true. Always consult with your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be some grammatical or spelling errors present. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.

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