The Sins of Sodom and Gomorrah

The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah may not be what you think. Isaiah's warning describes just what the people are doing to offend God.

For the rest of the story, go here.

Tough Talk

Isaiah never minces words. In this passage he brings the message of judgment against the people of Sodom and Gomorrah; calling them out for their false piety, their posturing and pretentious "acts of faith." The prophet reminds them that true faith in God is revealed in acts of compassion, work for justice, and care for the less fortunate.

Even in the midst of this ferocious scolding, God still holds out hope. It is not too late to change. If the people will stop doing what is hurtful and begin to bless and to heal, disaster can be averted.

Photo of a flower

The Warning
to Sodom
& Gomorrah

Isaiah's Prophecy

Isaiah 1:10-18
as interpreted by Deborah

IsaiahThis is the message given by the prophet Isaiah:

Hear the word of the Lord, you who rule Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

“Do you think I care that you tithe to the church?” says the Lord: “I’ve had enough of your offerings, donations, and charity giving. I take no delight in these outward trappings.

“Who told you to bring these things to me? Don’t set foot in My house again; bringing offerings is a waste of time, lighting candles disgusts me. Easter services, Sunday worship, and church meetings — I cannot tolerate these pretentious assemblies filled with injustice.

“I hate your celebrations to the depth of My Being; they are a burden to Me that I am tired of bearing.

“When you call to Me, I will look away; you can pray until you’re blue in the face, but I will not listen; your hands are stained with the blood of the innocent.

Clean up your act; I don’t want to be a witness to any more of your wickedness. Stop doing evil and start doing good: seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, advocate for the widow.

“Come on, let’s talk this through,” says the Lord, “As bad as it is, you can change; though your sins are black as coal, they can be turned white as snow.”

Suggested Spiritual Exercise

Sometimes religion can be dangerous: when it tempts us to believe we are holy/saved/good by virtue of our attendance at worship services. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger. What matters is that we live the Gospel; that we make it real in the living of our lives.

How do you proclaim Jesus as the Christ in your daily life?