Let Us Reason Together

-

 

Scripture: Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Devotion:

Isaiah 1:18 is one of the most tender invitations in all of Scripture. After a chapter filled with honest confrontation about Israel’s rebellion, God does something astonishing: He invites His people into conversation. “Come now, let us reason together.” This is not the voice of a judge eager to condemn, but of a Father longing to restore. God does not push His people away in their sin; He draws them near.

The imagery of scarlet and crimson is deliberate. These were deep, permanent dyes — stains that could not be washed out by human effort. Isaiah is saying that sin is not a surface blemish; it is a stain woven into the fabric of the heart. Israel could not cleanse themselves, and neither can we. But God does not ask them to fix themselves before coming. He invites them as they are, with all their stains, failures, and burdens.

Then comes the promise: “They shall be as white as snow… they shall become like wool.” Only God can make such a transformation. This is the language of grace — undeserved, unearned, and complete. God does not offer partial cleansing or temporary relief. He offers a new beginning, a purity that only He can create, a restoration that reaches deeper than the stain of sin.

This verse also reveals God’s heart toward repentance. He does not shame His people into returning; He reasons with them. He appeals to their hearts, their minds, and their deepest longings. He shows them the futility of their sin and the beauty of His mercy. Repentance, then, is not a fearful groveling but a hopeful turning — a movement toward the God who heals.

For believers today, Isaiah 1:18 is a reminder that no stain is too deep for God’s grace. No failure is beyond His cleansing. No past is beyond His redemption. When we feel unworthy or overwhelmed by our shortcomings, God’s invitation still stands: Come. Let us reason together. Let Me make you new.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for inviting us into Your presence even when we feel stained and unworthy. Thank You for the promise of cleansing, renewal, and grace. Teach us to come to You honestly, to trust Your mercy fully, and to walk in the freedom of Your forgiveness. Make our lives reflect the purity and hope that only You can give. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Depend on Christ

-
Scripture : Colossians 2:8 (NIV) See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Devotion: In Colossians 2:8, the Apostle Paul issues a direct warning to believers, urging them to remain vigilant against teachings and ideologies contrary to the gospel of Christ . He says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” This verse is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time, reminding us of the subtle and often enticing philosophies that can pull us away from the truth found in Jesus . The world is full of ideas and perspectives—some ancient, some modern—that promise wisdom, fulfillment, or enlightenment. Many of these philosophies are built upon human traditions, cultural norms , or spiritual concep...
Read more

At the Crossroads

-
Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16 ( NIV ) 16  This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths , ask where the good way is, and walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls . But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.   Devotion: Life often presents us with crossroads—moments when we must make choices that shape our future and define our character. It is in these moments that Jeremiah 6:16 calls out with clarity and wisdom: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” These words offer both a promise and a warning, urging us to pause, reflect, and make informed choices. Jeremiah spoke these words to a nation that had wandered far from God, forsaking His ways for paths of their own making. The “ancient paths” refer to the tried-and-true principles established by God—paths walked by th...
Read more

Praising the Lord

-
  Scripture: 92:1-2 (NIV) It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, Devotion The psalmist begins with a simple yet profound truth: “ It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Gratitude is not just a polite gesture; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God’s goodness. When we pause to thank Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and remind ourselves that every blessing flows from His hand. Notice the rhythm in verse 2: morning and night . The psalmist invites us to start and end our day with God. In the morning, we declare His lovingkindness —a word that speaks of His steadfast love and mercy. Each sunrise is a fresh reminder that His mercies are new every morning ( Lamentations 3:23 ). Before the demands of the day press in, we can anchor our hearts in His grace, knowing He goes before us. At night, we reflect on His faithfulness. As the day closes, we look...
Read more