THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

READING: ISAIAH 1:10-20

Verse 16: “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil.”

Janet was very pleased with her son Harry. She particularly enjoyed and encouraged his participation in sports. However, one day Harry went so far as to exceed even motherly grace. Having played rugby on a rainy day, he was very, very muddy. In his excitement, Harry rushed into the family room in his muddy condition. When mom saw him, he abruptly learned he was not welcome there with his mud. Janet loved Harry, but she had just cleaned the room and did not accept his mud. It was the same with the nation of Judah before God. The people went to the Lord offering sacrifices and acts of worship, but they were covered with sin and unrighteousness. Much like Harry did in his experience, they found they were not welcome in their condition. God loved them but did not accept their sin.  Harry needed to be cleaned up. The people of Judah needed to be cleansed. That speaks to us today. In order to be welcomed and accepted by the only Holy God, we must be washed by the blood of the lamb, Jesus our Savior and Lord. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How are we different before God from the people of Judah?

2. How often do we in these days need to be cleansed?