Court is in session. Witnesses have been called. Charges and sentencing are being made. The Southern Kingdom of Israel has rebelled, practiced hypocritical religion and adulterated the righteousness of the city of Jerusalem. God’s judgment is coming for sinners who are just as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, in the midst of the pronouncement of judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, the grace of God is set forth, a summons to repentance is issued, and the promise of redemption and restoration is foretold for those who repent of their sins. Isaiah weaves in the message of hope and the promise of salvation even through fiery judgment. The refiner’s fire will purify them of the dross and there will be a remnant of God’s people preserved by grace alone. This past Sunday we unpacked the first chapter of Isaiah’s vision together and consider how we too must heed the call to repentance and receive the gift of God’s grace or otherwise face God’s just judgment for our own rebellion, hypocrisy and unrighteousness.

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