Is it true? We find ourselves asking this question often in the world that we live in today. Is the news we see true? Are our politicians telling the truth? People are even questioning God and who He is. But did you know that God asks, “are you true?” He does not ask us if we are real but if we are true to him, are our hearts and praises pleasing to him? In Isaiah 58 we see God showing us what being true is.

When we zoom into Isaiah chapter 58, we see Isaiah speaking to people who are doing all of the right rituals, but their hearts have grown cold towards God. What should be a relationship with God has become transactional. Just like the Israelites we have fallen into the same wrongdoings. We have grown cold towards God. 

With this theme, we will explore what God is looking for in true justice, beyond the comfort of rituals. We will learn what it means for true justice to flow out of a relationship with God as we co-labor with him. From there we can see God’s restoration change our own lives and partner with him to bring that restoration to others. So take a look at what’s inside you and ask: is it true?

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’

If you take away the yoke from your midst,

the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

if you pour yourself out for the hungry

and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness

and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the Lord will guide you continually

and satisfy your desire in scorched places

and make your bones strong;

and you shall be like a watered garden,

like a spring of water,

whose waters do not fail.

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;

you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;

you shall be called the repairer of the breach,

the restorer of streets to dwell in.

Isaiah 58:9-12 (ESV)