Tough Love from Above

Isaiah 57:4-5

4 Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom
make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye
not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green
tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the
clifts of the rocks?

The fifty-seventh chapter of Isaiah opens with God speaking to His people in language that can be described as blunt and to the point. God saw the sin of the people, and He very directly called them out for failing to live up to their own professions - both in their dealings with Him and with other people.

Thankfully, it didn't end there! Isaiah is commonly referred to as "the Prophet of Redemption," and while he records some of God's most pointed messages toward His people's sinfulness, he also records a message of restoration. That reflects perfectly a God who is willing both to demonstrate some tough love as He calls out His people when they stray, and to cleanse them and restore them when they heed His message.

The God who so forcefully and bluntly - even harshly - chided His people for their sin is the same God who also spoke this amazing promise of forgiveness and redemption...

Isaiah 57:15

15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in
the high and holy place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of
the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite
ones.

Reference: 365 Essential Questions from the Bible
www.barbourbooks.com

The Grim Reaper Preacher says, "Try reading the Bible from cover to cover - you'll like it."