We Can’t Save Ourselves

Our algorithms know us well, and mine feeds me with stories of scared, hungry, dirty animals who are rescued, well fed, and living happy lives. Oh, how we love a good rescue! It gives us a picture in the physical of the gracious kindness of God toward us.

With all we’ve read in Isaiah 1, is it too late to save such a people as those who have turned from God? God is patient. He is merciful. He desires to save and cleanse. After stating all they had done against Him and that their hands were full of bloodshed, look at His plea in Isaiah 1:16,

“Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;

remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;

cease to do evil…”

That He is still even speaking to them is amazing. Unlike the animal stories, we sinners got ourselves into trouble. We caused the need for our own rescue. As we read the verse above, we realize cleaning up our act is not possible in our own power. We need to be cleansed and stay away from evil, but we cannot do it on our own. Like those rescued animals who could not save themselves, we need a Savior.

John the Baptist prepared people to see their need for cleansing; to turn from their evil ways to walk in God’s. The Lord exposes our sin in order to make us aware; to give us opportunity for repentance that leads to forgiveness; to make us right with Him. Then He reveals the only way. Jesus.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus…”
Acts 3:19-20