WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17Sample

Video Primer: Isaiah

As we begin our journey through Isaiah 1–39, take a few moments to watch the BibleProject overview video linked below. This video is an insightful and helpful guide that reveals the historical context, key themes, and structure of Isaiah’s early chapters. Don’t rush past it! Give yourself the gift of focused time to engage deeply with the video. Let it prepare your heart and mind, helping you understand Isaiah’s message of judgment, hope, and God’s faithfulness. Taking this time will enrich your reading and draw you closer to God’s Word.

Washed, Called, and Sent

Today we begin a long journey through the book of Isaiah. In our reading, God expresses His complaint against His people. Though they continue religious rituals, their hearts and actions don’t align with His expectations. Isaiah 1:16-17(ESV) gives a clear call to repentance and justice:

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;

remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;

cease to do evil,

learn to do good;

seek justice,

correct oppression;

bring justice to the fatherless,

plead the widow’s cause.

God cares deeply that our lives reflect His heart for justice and mercy.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges the religious leaders to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to their gatherings, promising blessings to those who do. In Jesus, we see God’s heart made flesh—God with us.

As you read today, ask yourself:

1. How is God calling me to live out His justice?
2. How am I welcoming and serving those in poverty or need in my community?
3. And how am I joining Christ’s mission through His Church to bring hope and inclusion to the poor and powerless?

May God open our eyes and hearts to reflect His justice and compassion in all we do.

Primer contributed by Logan Beardsley, Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla.