JESUS KNOCKING ON YOUR DOOR

Isaiah 57:14-21

And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way."For this says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the hear of the contrite.

For I will not contend for ever, nor will I always be angry; for from me proceeds the spirit, and I have made the breath of life. Because of the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry, I smote him, I hid my face and was angry; but he went on backsliding in the way of his own heart.

I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and requite him with comfort, creating for his mourners the fruit of the lips.

Peace, peace to the far and to the near, says the Lord; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked." Isaiah 57:14-21 RSV

HOLY MOUNTAIN

Isaiah 57:11-13

Whom did you dread and fear, so that you lied, and did not remember me, did not give me a thought? Have I not held my peace, even for a long time, and so you do not fear me?

I will tell you of your righteousness and your doings, but they will not help you. When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall the possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. Isaiah 57:11-13 RSV

MOLECH

Isaiah 57:9-10

You journeyed to Molech* with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and send down even to Sheol. You were wearied with he length of your way but you did not say, "It is hopeless."; you found new life for your strength and so you were not faint. Isaiah 57:9-10 RSV

* Molech (Hebrew) or Melech (Arabic) means king and is commonly used to describe the god shown above. Worship of this god required the burnt sacrifice of your seed; your children.

CRESCENT

Isaiah 57:7-9

Upon a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed and thither you went up to offer sacrifice. Behind the door and doorpost you have set your symbol;for, deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a bargain for yourself with them, who have loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness. Isaiah 57:7-9 RSV

JIHAD

Isaiah 57:3-6

But you, draw near hither, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the harlot. Of whom are you making sport? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and put out your tongue? Are you not the children of transgression, the offspring of deceit, you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree; who slay your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a cereal offering. Shall I be appeased for these things? Isaiah 57:3-6

RAPTURED

Isaiah 57:1-2

The righteous man perishes and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity, he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness. Isaiah 57:1-2 RSV