Isaiah 57:1-13 (NIV)

Read by: Sasha Mackoon

Today’s passage might come as a shock after the beautiful, hopeful verses of the past few days. Today’s words are, in essence, a reminder of the reality of living life in the in-between. Even after experiencing God’s grace in return from exile, Israel still cozied up to foreign kings and adopted the idols of foreign nations, allowing false religion and superstition to provide a cover for all kinds of evil. In the same way, even we, on the other side of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection find ourselves caught up in worshiping all kinds of idols and allowing false religions and attachment to political power to excuse all kinds of evil. In forgetting the one true God, we have allowed ourselves to fear any number of other things that deserve neither our reverence nor our emotional energy. We too live in the in-between. We are not yet in the world that will be. Heaven and earth are not yet one.

But this passage doesn’t leave us without hope. It begins and ends by recognizing that there are some who are faithful, some who are righteous, some who fear the LORD and take refuge in him. And in this contrast there is an invitation. Be on the side of justice. Lay down your idols. Remember your God and cling to him.

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1. What feelings were brought up in you as you listened to the passage?

2. A friend of ours who grew up Hindu once said that it’s easy for Westerners to critique the idols of other religions because they’re easy to see. But we don’t see our idols as clearly. They aren’t painted statues or pictures on the wall. Our culture instead serves the gods of nationalism, comfort, status and self-indulgence. What idols in your life do you need to lay down at the LORD’s feet?

3. The passage opens and closes by acknowledging the righteous. No matter what evil is happening around them, the LORD will give then peace, rest in death and a home with him in New Creation. How does this reassurance bring you peace today?

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Bible Project: Isaiah 40-66 >>

BP Exploring My Strange Bible Podcast: The Meaning of Hope >>

InterVarsity Press Selections: Isaiah >>

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