Isaiah 57

Today’s reading in our daily plan is Isaiah 57. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• God picks up where He left off in Isaiah 56 and continues to
  rebuke the leaders of Judah. His anger is revealed when discussing Judah’s
  blatant decisions to worship idols and live in complete self-interest. God
  openly admits that His people do not care about Him or what He wants for them.
  He gives a direct comparison and says that trusting in idols will bring about
  destruction, while trusting in Him will bring eternal security.
• Starting in verse 14, God provides the steps to take in
  getting right with Him. He speaks of removing stumbling blocks, recognizing
  that He should be respected and feared, and allowing His love to restore and
  heal. He concludes with an invitation for peace, but says that those who reject
  it will never be able to experience His comfort.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• God cares deeply for us and desires for us to be in a
  relationship with Him. However, one trap that separates us from God is placing
  the importance of someone or something above Him. This can be described as idol
  worship and it’s an act that has plagued all of humanity. In ancient Israel,
  people worshipped fake gods made out of wood or gold and in the present day, people
  can fall into worshipping sex, money, substances, a significant other, a job, etc.
  This is not the life God desires for us and would rather have us look to Him
  for security and fulfillment because He’s the only one that can truly satisfy.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Is there something or someone in your life that you might
  care a little too deeply for? Someone or something that you’ve put your full
  trust and maybe even identity in? God says that if this is the case, you’ll
  eventually be disappointed, and that fulfillment can only be found in Him. If
  you feel like you want God at the center of your life, tell Him and start
  living like it. He’s always listening.