Isaiah 1:1-17
As the very words of the Lord Jesus show, the Old Testament consists of three main sections: the law of Moses (the Pentateuch), the Prophets (also including the historical books) and the Psalms with the poetic books (Luke 24:44; Luke 24:27). With prophecy we come to an important section of the Bible, although it is too often neglected because of its difficulties. Let us ask the Lord to help us to find in it also "the things concerning Himself". A prophet is the LORD’S spokesman to His people for the purpose of reproving them, warning them, bringing them back, or comforting them. In the first chapter, as an introduction to the subject, the first mission of Isaiah is that of a doctor with the responsibility of giving his opinion about a patient whose condition is desperate. What a horrifying diagnosis is found in vv. 5, 6! It is as true for modern man as it was for the ancient Israelite. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint." The mind has been corrupted by turning away from God (Romans 1:21); devotion to Him has been totally lacking. In such a state, taking part in outward religious ceremonies is nothing but futile hypocrisy and even an abomination (v. 13; cf. Proverbs 21:27).