Isaiah 43:19-20

On both occasions the *Lord shows his authority over both nature and *human beings.

Israel has neglected to obey God

v22 ‘But you, my own people, have not given me honour. In fact, you people from Israel have become tired of my service. v23 It was not for me that you burned sheep on my *altar as gifts. You did not give any honour to me when you offered *sacrifices. I have never asked for too many gifts from you. I have not tired you by constant demands for *incense. v24 You have never had to buy *incense to offer to me. You have never had to burn the fat of animals on my *altar to satisfy me. But your wicked deeds are like a heavy load that I must carry. You have tired me by all your evil actions.

v25 But I am still the *Lord your God. So I have completely wiped off all the record of your evil actions. I will never again remember your wicked deeds in the past. v26 Remind me. Explain why you were complaining. Tell me about it. And bring evidence to prove that you are right. v27 Your earliest relative practised evil deeds. Still today your leaders refuse to obey my laws. v28 Therefore, I no longer allow your priests to serve me in my *Temple. I am letting enemies destroy Israel as a nation. I am leaving my special people to suffer shame.’