Download PDF - International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Download PDF - International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Download PDF - International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
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The Prophecy <strong>of</strong> Isaiah:Part 3True v. False WorshipIsaiah 57:1–58:14It is universally true that a people’s worship reflectstheir conception <strong>of</strong> what God is like <strong>and</strong> what theirrelationship to Him should entail. This wascertainly true in the case <strong>of</strong> Israel. As the people towhom the true God chose to reveal Himself, <strong>and</strong> asthe recipients <strong>of</strong> His covenant, the Israelites wereentrusted with the holy task <strong>of</strong> worshiping God inthe manner He prescribed. While the nationsaround Israel practiced idolatry <strong>and</strong> became liketheir gods—whether lustful or cruel—Israel was topropagate the true worship <strong>of</strong> God.This is what made Israel’s long slide into idolatry sogrievous to God. The people indulged in falseworship <strong>of</strong> every kind, <strong>and</strong> did so greedily withdelight. But even when they grew weary <strong>of</strong> theirways, the people <strong>of</strong> Israel (in this case, the southernkingdom <strong>of</strong> Judah) continued on in their sinfulworship. But even when conditions had reachedtheir worst <strong>and</strong> Israel’s eventual destruction <strong>and</strong>exile were prophesied, God did not completely cut<strong>of</strong>f His inheritance. If the people <strong>of</strong> Israel wouldcome back to God in contrition <strong>and</strong> practice theworship that pleased Him, including its ethicalelements <strong>of</strong> justice <strong>and</strong> mercy, the nation would begloriously restored.1. Why did the righteous people in Israel diewithout anyone noting the fact that those whopleased God were being taken away?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. What could the faithful people in Israel,those who worshiped God in truth <strong>and</strong>sincerity, expect to receive in contrast to thosewhose ways were evil?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Why was God not pleased with the people’sfasting as an act <strong>of</strong> worship?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. How would the people <strong>of</strong> Israel find true joy inthe Lord?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Something to Think About:Many <strong>Fellowship</strong> friends will recognize Isaiah 58:7 as the theme verse we chose for our lifesavingministry, Isaiah 58, to suffering elderly <strong>Jews</strong> <strong>and</strong> children in the former Soviet Union. Let metake this opportunity to thank you for your compassionate response to the plight <strong>of</strong> these, themost vulnerable remnants <strong>of</strong> Israel in a harsh l<strong>and</strong>.6
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