June 29

Isaiah 1:21-5:30

From the outside, prior to the Israelites’ exile, it would have seemed like they had it all together. The wealthy lived in beautiful houses, indulged in frequent parties, and dressed in lavish clothing. They would have fit right in on a Friday night in the trendy part of town, and yet behind the scenes, they were morally bankrupt. Their lives were consumed by the pursuit of temporal wealth rather than spiritual wellness. They were focused on their own success, even if it came at the expense of others. They ran from God at breakneck speed and what they would find at the end of their sprint was judgment, destruction, and exile. They thought they could experience the abundant life without God, but the lie was exposed.

As we look at ourselves, or our neighbors, we may find a similar heart attitude as Israel. We may think that everything looks good, when a quick look at our hearts reveals that to not be the case. Only a life of faith, trust, and love towards God is true life. Let’s stop living for the facade and open our hearts to God in confession, honesty, and love.

Father God, I open my heart to you. Expose everything that is not pleasing to you and help me to pursue you. Help me not to be content with material, surface level prosperity when you offer true life in your Son and through your Spirit. Amen. 

Where have you become with external conformity rather than a transformed life?

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