A devotional on Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, 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 become like wool." (Isa 1:18, ESV)
Isaiah 1 opens with a strong rebuke—God’s people have turned away, they have neglected justice, their worship has become hollow, and their hearts are stained with the sin of rebellion. Yet in the midst of judgment comes this invitation: “Come now, let us reason together.” God doesn’t turn His back. Instead, He calls His people close to talk about reconciliation.
Notice the imagery: scarlet and crimson—deep, set-in stains that no human effort can wash away. In those days there were shellfish used to dye cloth. Once the dye was set in, you could not remove it. This is what Isaiah is saying. There is a stain on the human soul that you cannot do anything about. But God can. God promises cleansing that makes us white as snow, pure as wool. This is not a surface clean but a total transformation, something only God Himself can do through forgiveness.
For the people of Israel, this meant turning back to God in faith and obedience to the covenant. For us, this points directly to Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore our scarlet stains so that we could wear His spotless righteousness. The gospel is not God ignoring our sins but God removing them, making us truly clean, then setting us back on the right course.
Reflection question: Where are you still trying to “scrub away” your own stains? Instead, hear God’s invitation today—draw near, confess, and let Him wash you white as snow.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for inviting me to reason with You, even in my sin. Thank You that through Jesus, my scarlet stains are made white as snow. Help me to walk today not in shame, but in the freedom of Your forgiveness. Amen.
4-Day Reading Plan: Historical Context for Isaiah (Isaiah 2-5)
- Day 1: Isaiah 2
- Day 2: Isaiah 3
- Day 3: Isaiah 4
- Day 4: Isaiah 5
For more Recommended Resources on the book of Isaiah, click here.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
