Reading Isaiah

Isaiah - chapter 1

God's people have rebelled against Him.
"They have forsaken the LORD; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him." v.4

The country was suffering and hurting and yet they had cut themselves off from God's help.
"...there is no soundness - only wounds and bruises and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil."

God speaks with despair of their meaningless offerings. He takes no pleasure when religious ritual is carried out without a simultaneous sacrifice of the heart.
"Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me."

Our sins block our relationship with God:
"When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayer, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean."

He urges them to stop doing wrong and start doing right. "Seek justice"

However, there is forgiveness:
"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;" v 18
"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword."
[Is this a general principle?]

God grieves over Jerusalem "become a harlot" - he cannot stand by..
"I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities... Afterwards you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City."
(brings to mind CS Lewis' quote about the living house - see the previous post!)

God will judge wickedness and bring down the mighty.