As we consider the intentions of our hearts we see that apart from the grace of God, each of can think and act in horrific ways. God knows our fleshly desires, that’s why He provided a Savior. The prophet Isaiah described our condition and Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf:

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6)

The Bible refers to people as sheep, this may not be a complementary term, but it’s an accurate description. Sheep are often characterized as being dumb, dependent, and having a tendency to go astray. Isaiah used this comparison to describe people who have turned to their own way. This word literally means to wander off or to roam about without a specific purpose. Figuratively, this word referred to those who were morally or spiritually wandering The Apostle Paul described man’s sinful condition as referenced in the Old Testament:

as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

Isaiah then revealed the magnanimous nature of God as the penalty for our sins was laid upon Jesus. Under the law of Moses, the sheep would die for the shepherd; but under grace, Jesus as our Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep. Jesus paid a debt he did not owe, because we owed a debt we could not pay. The Apostle Peter idetified the amazing implications of Christ’s crucifixion:

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; (1 Peter 3:18)

Do you the realize that your sins have been forgiven? You may think, “I’ve strayed too far, God won’t accept me.” Peter shows that we can return:

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:25)

Isaiah presented the Lord’s invitation to His people. God gave the people have a choice – they could either consent and obey or they could refuse and rebel:

“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 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. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

God gives us the same choice – how will you decide?

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark