Isaiah 1:27-28 Zion will be redeemed with justice,
her penitent ones with righteousness.
But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the Lord will perish.

Verse 18 of this chapter (“Though your sins are like scarlet…”) is justly famous, but the focus of the chapter is on repentance. The description of the things that called for repentance pulls no punches, and seems remarkably apropos to America at this point. It’s not that God is vindictive, it’s that people, and nations, have to recognize and acknowledge where they are in the wrong. Those who refuse, who insist on continuing on their own path that defies God, face destruction, pure and simple. This is actually the message of the whole Bible, though different parts stress different elements of that. Salvation is available by grace through faith, (Ephesians 2:8-9) but repentance is essential. That’s why Jesus started His ministry by proclaiming, as John the Baptist had, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15) Without repentance, the news of the Kingdom of God isn’t good, because it means judgment.

I based my last sermon in a preaching class in seminary on this chapter, titling it, “There’s Blood on Your Hands.” The doctoral student/teaching assistant who graded it down said I was going too far. If I went too far, Isaiah went too far! Repentance hasn’t been a popular message in the US for many years, but every genuine revival/ move of the Spirit throughout history has had repentance as a foundation. America is desperately in need of spiritual awakening at this point, but the Christians need to get serious about it. Movements such as “Call 2 Fall” and the like are very good, but they don’t go far enough. As I see the spiritual lukewarmness and apathy of others, I need to confront it in myself as well. We live in perilous times, and the enemy uses every trick he can to take our attention off of what is really important. He defeats us all too easily when we aren’t paying attention! I’ve got to be faithful in the details, or I will miss the big things as well. I’ve got to take one step at a time, in all humility and obedience, repenting as the Holy Spirit guides me to do so, so that I may fulfill the part God has for me in His plan.

Father, You know the attack I’m going through right now. Thank You that Your grace is sufficient. Help me take one step at a time, trusting You to enable me to do all that You call me to do, letting Your strength be manifested in the middle of, and even through, my weakness, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!