#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 65:1-7 (5.4.21)

¹ I was ready to respond to those who did not ask,
    to be found by those who did not seek me.

I said: Here I am! Here I am!
    To a nation that did not invoke my name.

² I have stretched out my hands all day
    to a rebellious people,
Who walk in a way that is not good,
    following their own designs;

³ A people who provoke me
    continually to my face,
Offering sacrifices in gardens
    and burning incense on bricks,

⁴ Sitting in tombs
    and spending the night in caves,
Eating the flesh of pigs,
    with broth of unclean meat in their dishes;

⁵ Crying out, “Hold back,
    do not come near me, lest I render you holy!”

These things are smoke in my nostrils,
    a fire that burns all the day.

⁶ See, it stands written before me;
    I will not remain quiet until I have repaid in full

⁷ Your crimes and the crimes of your ancestors as well,
    says the Lord.

Since they burned incense on the mountains,
    and insulted me on the hills,

I will at once pour out in full measure
    their recompense into their laps.