1. A Look at Is 1:1-20 Scripture Reading: Is 1:18

2. Introduction Notice it is God that invites people to come to Him One would think man would be reaching out to Him because of His goodness God seeks us even before we seek after Him (Lk 19:10) Isaiah calls for the people to come and reason together and be clean (Is. 1:18) This invitation to come and be clean still exists today

3. An invitation to reason at what appears to be an unreasonable time Isaiah’s nation was in deep trouble because they had rebelled against the Lord (Is 1:2-4) They chose not to think about God (vs 3) “…My people do not consider…” Sin ran rampant and corruption was everywhere (vs 4) “…A people laden with iniquity, a brood of evil doers…” The people had refused to respond to chastening (v 5) “Why should you be stricken again?...”

4. An invitation to reason at what appears to be an unreasonable time They were a sin-sick people (vs 6) “…But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up…” Crime and violence was the way of the day Rebellion doesn’t really make sense in light of what God has done for them Despite all these things, God invites them to come and reason together because of His divine love for them

5. An invitation from God at an obviously ungodly time God Himself is the source of the invitation (v 18) “…Says the Lord…” God called out to those who had forsaken Him (v 4) People who provoked His Holy Spirit (v 4) “…They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel…” People who rejected His way and turned backward (v 4) “…They have turned away backward.” These people reminded Isaiah of those in Sodom and Gomorrah (vs 9-10) A small remnant of righteous ones kept them from destruction (v 9) Isaiah actually calls them citizens of those wicked cities (v 10)

6. An invitation from God at an obviously ungodly time God had tired of their burn offerings, feastings etc (v 11) “…I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle…” (v 13) “Bring no more futile sacrifices…” (v 14) “Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates…” (v 16) “…Put away the evil of your doings from my eyes…” Despite all this, God continues to call them to come and be clean (vs 19)

7. An invitation for cleansing at a sinful time This is an invitation to be forgiven (v 18) From scarlet red to white as snow From crimson red to white as wool God meets sinners right where they are and cleanses them if they so desire

8. Conclusion God is still calling to the unreasonable and ungodly during these ungodly times He is willing to forgive and cleanse all who come to Him for forgiveness His blood still makes the guilty clean (1 Jn 1:9; Rev 1:5) Doesn’t it seem reasonable to respond to Him today? If there is any way we can help you, come forward while we stand and sing