Isaiah 1

“Wash and make yourselves clean ... Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (16-17). Isaiah prophesied to a very religious people who constantly sacrificed animals and burned incense (11). However, through the prophet, the Lord told Israel to stop: “I cannot bear your worthless assemblies” (13). Israel’s offerings were empty gestures because they were disobeying God’s command to take care of the vulnerable, whom He loved. He called Israel to repentance: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (18).

“Afterward, you will be called the City of Righteousness” (26). God’s righteousness always involves other people, because loving Him includes caring for those made in His image.