Isaiah 1:10-20  The lack of knowledge and understanding of God's people led them to rebellion - sin filled the nation; they were stricken  from head to toe, bruised and raw; and their land was becoming more and more desolate.. like Sodom and Gomorrah.  ( v 1-9)

The Lord continued to speak to Israel.. condemning even their corrupt attempts to carry on with "worship":

"I've had enough.."(v11)

".. I take no pleasure.." ( vll)

"Bring your worthless offerings no longer.."(v13)

"I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.." (v13)

"I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me, I am weary of bearing them. (v14)

"Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." (v15)

The Lord makes it very clear that worship that is not accompanied by a cleansed heart is not worship at all.. it is a burden to Him, it is something that He will not accept.   Jesus taught that any sin - even a broken relationship with a brother, was something that needed to be resolved before bringing an offering to the Lord. ( Matthew 5:23-24)  Israel had "hands.. covered with blood".  Their sins were truly like "scarlet".. as are ours.. 

But, there is hope!  It is not too late.. He says,  " Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from my sight. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good.  Seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow." (v16-17)  

Repent. Turn back to God's commands and walk in His ways!

The beautiful words of the Lord bring us a way back from destruction and death.. "Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. If you will consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' Truly the mouth of the Lord has spoken."  ( v18-20

Like Israel, we have a choice.  Follow Him and find life and goodness and grace and forgiveness so complete that we are made " as white as snow"!  Or keep rebelling and find death, destruction, and blood on our hands. 

Father in heaven, You are God Almighty and we praise You. Thank You for sending Your Son to shed His blood and take away our sins, that we might we washed clean and made pure and holy in Your sight. Your grace is amazing, Your love so divine.  Adonai, will You bring us back to You?  Our nation is in great need of Your Word.Grant us repentance, please.  Fill this land with truth and give us ears to hear and obey Your Word. Let Your kingdom come!  Let Your will be done.  And Let Your name be honored in all the earth.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.