A Nation That Repents

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MODERN DAY THOUGHTS ABOUT ISAIAH CHAPTER 1 AND A NATION THAT REPENTS

We Harvest What We Sow

The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus! When we believe the Word about Jesus it becomes like a seed planted inside us. We are born again by the Spirit! If we love Jesus we will nurture that seed within us through His Holy Spirit. We grow like a tree, a crop in a field, a vineyard, a grove or a garden. The seeds we sow will grow in our lives and will produce a crop. God’s creation itself is speaking this truth to validate His Word. Whatever we sow, we will harvest, whether good or bad.

Like oaks and gardens, we cultivate what God has given us, either wisely or unwisely. The Word tells us to take every thought captive and kill all ungodly (fleshly) desires. The Bible tells us to steer our tongues like a rudder on a ship, and to walk the straight and narrow road. Only the Holy Spirit can help us live Godly lives. It is His power that works mightily in us to do God’s will. We cannot do these things on our own. Purposefully living in God’s presence is how we resist the devil and allow God’s glory to increase in our lives. We must be seated with God in the heavenly realms, fully awake in the Spirit. Then we can grow in God. God requires relationship! Colossians 3:1-17

A Blessed Nation

This is true of a nation as well. As Christians, each one of us have a very important role in our nation. But it begins in our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. We are to nurture the seeds Jesus has given us and His Word and reject all other seeds. Seated at His Table, God Himself will cause us to spiritually grow strong over time, like trees, and bear good fruit. When God’s children live by the Spirit, seeking to bear His fruit alone, our nation will be changed. In Isaiah chapter 1 God spoke to His people as a nation.

Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:2-3 NIV

God goes on to describe the lifestyle of sin and lack of common sense that nation had sown spiritually. He said the nation would have become like Sodom and Gomorrah except for a few faithful ones. God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. He goes on to speak about those who do all the religious things but don’t seek the heart of God. But a nation that repents is a blessed nation.

Religion

Christians can become “religious” by going to church, tithing, praying, reading the Bible etc, but not seeking the Holy Spirit. Seeking God means wholeheartedly obeying Him no matter the cost. It is believing the Word even when it goes against your own desires. Our own hearts can deceive us. Fear can lead us astray. The thoughts and ideas of people can subtly influence our belief system against God’s Word. These things can cause us to walk away from God and sow the wrong seed, affecting others.

Many who call themselves Christians and do all the Christian things have fallen asleep spiritually. There is no fruit on their tree. They receive more joy from the things in the world than from the presence of God. There is no love for the lost, the poor or the broken. Therefore, there is no motivation that drives them to ask God what their part is in the Kingdom. They are jealous of other Christians, casting blame, shame and disrespecting others in their hearts.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Get your evil deeds out of My sight. Stop doing evil, learn to do good. Seek justice, rebuke the ruthless, defend the fatherless, plead for the [rights of the] widow [in court]. Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the best of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:16-20 AMP

Reason Together With God

To be obedient to the Spirit of God within us, we have to spend time with Him. That’s where we can “reason together” with God, spirit to Spirit. He cleanses us from the inside out. Our hearts change first and then our actions. As our hearts change our families, communities and nation will reap the benefits.

When anyone spiritually plants and cultivates out of their own human reasoning they are choosing to worship themselves rather than God. If their ideas are contrary to the Word of God, their opinions have become idols. No matter how grand they may seem, those gardens have no life.

You will be sorry that you ever worshiped trees and planted sacred gardens. You will wither like a dying oak, like a garden that no one waters. Just as straw is set on fire by a spark, so powerful people will be destroyed by their own evil deeds, and no one will be able to stop the destruction. Isaiah 1:29-31 GNT

Trials & Tribulations

Nobody wants trials and tribulations but they often serve to wake us up before it’s too late.

Therefore, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says, “I will take revenge on my enemies and pay back my foes! I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.” Isaiah 1:24-26

A Nation That Repents Because of Trials

Trials that come to a nation such as pandemics and terrorist attacks, are wake-up calls. They should not throw a Christian into fear but into intimate prayer, submission to God’s will and His unfailing love. Children of God, remain in the Holy Spirit, the Living Water! When we sow only God’s seed and drink the Spirit’s Living Water, we will grow strong and have plenty to share!

I believe it is possible for a nation to repent with only a remnant of Christians full of the Holy Spirit. The entire huge city of Ninevah repented of their evil sin and turned to God when a grouchy missionary preached the Word of God to them! Imagine what would happen if God’s people repented first!

Cultivate the Gardens of our Nation

How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers, instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts. Psalm 1:1-3 NET

A nation that repents and turns to God will be blessed! Each on of us must do our part. So listen to the Holy Spirit, our Living Water, and cultivate the seed of God’s Word. Fall in love with Jesus and follow His lead. Stay close to the Father’s heart and “reason together” with Him. He will show you His purpose for your life. God’s path leads to spiritual growth and multiplication. Tell people about your relationship with Jesus and love them sincerely. Scatter the good seed God gives you and He will give you more seed to sow! Let us sow into God’s Kingdom and we will see the deserted orchards of our nation come back to life!

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