Week 1 “Exploited” (Dwell)
Religious practice that is empty of genuine, heartfelt devotion to God always goes wrong. The prophet Isaiah confronts God’s people, who delight in the practices of fasting and sabbath yet are frustrated that God seems distant and unresponsive. They assume that their outward observance is a lever that will move God on their behalf. It’s a pagan assumption that had crept into their community, tarnishing their devotion and leading to the exploitation of the poor.
Through the prophet, God seeks to correct their misguided attempts to leverage him and prepares to share with them what actually moves his heart — his delight in his people.