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Overview

Isaiah 57 describes the spiritual adultery of God’s people. They have gone after false gods. There is no peace for the wicked. 

Isaiah 57:3-5

But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman. Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit, you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

These are strong words from YHWH. Judah is worshipping false gods under the trees. Some scholars would say that they are participating in child sacrifice, offering them to Molech, one of the Canaanite gods. However, they are doing it, Judah has lost their way. 

But are we much different? It is true—I doubt anyone reading this has brought an animal offering to the altar of a false god. But spiritual idolatry happens way more often than you think. Actually, it has to—since we are created to worship. Either we are going to worship YHWH or we are going to worship a false god or another person or ourselves. The image-bearer of God has no choice. It is literally imprinted on our DNA. 

Isaiah 57:13

When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.

The futility of spiritual idolatry. It really is comical. Notice what God is saying here. The wind can carry them off—even your breath can take them away. In other words, they have no strength, they have no power. If a breath can take them away, that is a pretty impotent god. 

And yet—God is still patient with Judah. If you take refuge in Me, you will possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. Even though Israel has been unfaithful, there is a way back. Forgiveness will be given. Restoration is still possible. This should encourage the Christian today. God is quick to forgive. He wants to bless you—even if you have been unfaithful. But you must turn away from your sin and turn to God. 

Isaiah 57:20-21

But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”

Though God offers forgiveness through the work of His Son, many will reject His offer of grace and mercy. Consequently, they will not experience peace. Neither in this life or the life to come. 

Are you living in peace at the moment? I mean—even for the Christian we sometimes lose our way. The world and its desires can be intoxicating. But there is no peace in that. The world cannot offer us peace. Only Christ can. Run to Him. Enjoy Him today.