Right living
Day 312, Thursday, June 19
Isaiah Chapters 1 – 2
In the Old Testament so far we have seen teachings on both right worship and on right living, but much of the emphasis has been on right worship (which is seen as necessary for right living.)
With Isaiah we’ll see a shift in emphasis to right living as the more important element of serving God.
Sometimes right worship, such as feasts and fasts and Sabbaths are even spoken of negatively, as the people have come to count on them for their salvation. For Isaiah and the other prophets, justice and the protection of the oppressed are more important than rituals.
You’ll recognize a couple of segments of today’s reading that are commonly quoted.
In Chapter 2 we will read, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Another, from Chapter 1, is, “Though their sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Notice, though, as you read these in context that they are not truly representative of the chapters. These popular verses speak of the benefits of righteousness, but omit the call to righteousness that is more typical of the chapters.
In fact, the phrase, “they shall be like wool,” is followed by an important “if.”
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.”
Much more typical of the day’s reading is 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Thursday meditation

Proverbs 30:32-33
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth! For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.”

Prayer focus
God, we know our sins are like scarlet. Let us heed your call to righteousness so you will make them white as snow.

-Rev. Mark Fleming