"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."
Isaiah 1:18-20
Part 2
Yesterday:
Israel had repeatedly sinned against her God, resulting in the loss of His blessing and broken fellowship with her LORD. The prophet Isaiah explained to them how she can return to her God. It is only on His terms, not hers. He is the offended party, not her. To return to Him, she needs to deal with her sin, His way.
Today:
The LORD said to Israel,
“Come now.”
God’s invitation to her, and in fact, to all sinners. This is the right thing to do. It is wise for all sinners to go to Him. The LORD is compassionate to those who come to Him.
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labor for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David” (Isaiah 55:1-3).
Dear sinner, His call to you to “come” is the chance to have your sin forgiven, your heart cleansed, and your life turned around. Please do not waste this opportunity to come to Him.
“And let us reason together, saith the LORD.”
The LORD loves His people. Even in the times of Israel’s straying, He asked them to return.
“Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’S controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel” (Micah 6:2).
“Reason together”:
The LORD uses the language of the courtroom here. This is where all parties come together to “state the grounds of their cause.” The court is in session, God is ready to submit His case against Israel. He will then lay out the principles on which He will pardon them (see Barnes notes).
Our God is reasonable. His Word is rational. His plan of salvation is sensible. His way is always right.
Why is it important for God’s child to be able to lay out the Gospel patiently, clearly, and logically when witnessing? Tomorrow we will see how Paul’s witnessing method is similar to the LORD’s statement in our verse. “Come now, let us reason together.”
Quote: “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19).