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Isaiah 57 (CEV)

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¹ God's faithful people are dragged off and killed, and no one even cares. Evil sweeps them away, ² but in death they find peace for obeying God. ³ You people are unfaithful! You go to fortunetellers, and you worship idols. Now pay close attention! ⁴ Who are you making fun of? Who are you sneering at? Look how your sins have made fools of you. ⁵ All you think about is sex under those green trees where idols are worshiped. You sacrifice your children on altars built in valleys under rocky slopes. ⁶ You have chosen to worship idols made of stone; you have given them offerings of wine and grain. Should I be pleased? ⁷ You have spread out your beds on the tops of high mountains, where you sacrifice to idols. ⁸ Even in your homes you have placed pagan symbols all around your huge beds. Yes, you have rejected me, sold yourselves to your lovers, and gone to bed with them. ⁹ You smear on olive oil and all kinds of perfume to worship the god Molech. You even seek advice from spirits of the dead. ¹⁰ Though you tired yourself out by running after idols, you refused to stop. Your desires were so strong that they kept you going. ¹¹ Did you forget about me and become unfaithful because you were more afraid of someone else? Have I been silent so long that you no longer fear me? ¹² You think you're so good, but I'll point out the truth. ¹³ Ask your idols to save you when you are in trouble. Be careful though-- it takes only a faint breath to blow them over. But if you come to me for protection, this land and my holy mountain will always belong to you. ¹⁴ The LORD says, "Clear the road! Get it ready for my people." ¹⁵ Our holy God lives forever in the highest heavens, and this is what he says: Though I live high above in the holy place, I am here to help those who are humble and depend only on me. ¹⁶ My people, I won't stay angry and keep on accusing you. After all, I am your Creator. I don't want you to give up in complete despair. ¹⁷ Your greed made me furious. That's why I punished you and refused to be found, while you kept returning to your old sinful ways. ¹⁸ I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning ¹⁹ start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the LORD, will heal you and give you peace. ²⁰ The wicked are a restless sea tossing up mud. ²¹ But I, the LORD, have promised that none who are evil will live in peace.