The text this week includes some of the first words which the prophet Isaiah writes to the Hebrews in his attempt to wake the people up to God in the whole of their lives. Notice how you hear the voice and heart of God in these words. If you feel discomfort, linger with it in prayer. Allow the text to be a conversation starter with God. These words of Jesus seem to echo in response:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Isaiah 1:10-18 (The Message)
“Listen to my Message, you Sodom-schooled leaders.
Receive God’s revelation, you Gomorrah-schooled people.
11-12 “Why this frenzy of sacrifices?” GOD’S asking.
“Don’t you think I’ve had my fill of burnt sacrifices, rams and plump grain-fed calves?
Don’t you think I’ve had my fill of blood from bulls, lambs, and goats?
When you come before me, whoever gave you the idea of acting like this,
Running here and there, doing this and that—
all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship?
13-17 “Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games:
Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—
meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more!
Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out!
I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning.
When you put on your next prayer-performance,
I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray,
I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing
people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.
Go home and wash up. Clean up your act.
Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer.
Say no to wrong.
Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
Go to bat for the defenseless.
18“Come. Sit down. Let’s argue this out.” This is GOD’s Message:
“If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white.
If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, a phrase, image, or feeling that shimmered as you listened? Repeat it quietly to yourself and give it room to settle into you.
What feelings or longings arise within as you reflect? Bring them into your prayer. Perhaps you want to draw or color your prayer.
As the prayer comes to a close, give yourself some time to rest in quiet trust with God.
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