Isaiah lived in the capital city of Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah, with his wife and two children. It was the eighth century BC, a time of war, political change, and religious apostasy. Isaiah was called to be God’s prophet during the reigns of four successive kings of Judah, from Uzziah onward. With Hezekiah on the throne, Judah experienced a brief spiritual renewal. But for the most part, God’s people had been unfaithful to His covenant with them, and this prophet will issue a stern rebuke and passionate call to repentance. Isaiah wastes no time exposing Judah’s hardness of heart, nor does he preface his message with any attempt to warm up the audience. The nation had fallen so far from God that both heaven and earth are called to listen in on the indictment. The most heart-breaking story in the universe is how much our Father loves His children, compared with how little they love and obey Him. The human heart is naturally defiant toward God. And left to ourselves, we would remain forever in that hopeless condition, despite the painful and humiliating consequences of our rebellion (v 1-9). If we claim to be God’s people—singing with the congregation and bringing our offerings for His work—yet our daily lives are no different from those who do not know God, then He is not honored by our worship, but insulted. God bluntly tells the people of Judah that He hates their grandiose services and long-winded prayers. Why? Because of the blatant inconsistencies. True faith will manifest itself in deeds of faith, including love of neighbor. A genuine believer cannot be indifferent to the oppressed and downtrodden (v 10-17). Nevertheless, God extends to them an invitation to rethink their lives in His presence. In a wonderful demonstration of grace, the LORD offers forgiveness of sin and fresh cleansing within. But repentance is the necessary condition. They must be “willing and obedient,” ready to turn from their sins and to embrace Him as their God. The alternative is judgment, and the offer has an expiration date. The LORD was giving this generation one last chance (v 18-20). The people’s moral standards were falling so low that nothing was considered sacred anymore; everything was for sale (v 21-23). Eventually their moral compromising will take them into social meltdown. But God’s judgment will be tempered with mercy; He will restore and redeem the nation (v 24-26). So this is the choice we all face. Will we turn to the LORD and live? Or will we continue to indulge in the false pleasures of this world and be consumed by God’s wrath? (v 27-31). Buckle up, because Isaiah is just getting started! For further meditation: