Suggested Bible Reading: Isaiah 2
Devotional Thought:
The picture that is painted by this prophet under inspiration is that of a courtroom where God is the judge and the children of Israel are on trial. God pronounces them guilty of breaking their contract. (vs. 2) God says that He has kept His side of the bargain, but the children of Israel had broken theirs. They were being rebellious! They were showing less respect for Him than an animal would show to his master. (vs. 3) From man’s point of view, the nation was prospering and seemingly blessed; but from God’s point of view, the nation was like a wretched victim who had been beaten from head to toe and left to die. (vs. 5-6) The wounds were infected; the whole body diseased, and nobody seemed to see the need to help. Along with the false prophets and hypocritical priests the nation was morally and spiritually sick, and judgment was inevitable. Israel would not let God lead according to the law, so God would turn them over to suffer at the hands of the enemy. It made God sick that the children of Israel were so rebellious, but yet faithfully religious. God states in verse 11, why do you serve me outwardly when your heart is rebellious and selfish? He closes this chapter with an opportunity to repent. What a gracious God we serve! He is longsuffering and patient toward us.
Prayer:
• Are there any areas of my life that I am being rebellious?
• Am I more concerned with what people see or with what God knows?
• Are there things in my life that God has graciously given me time to repent? What do I need to agree with God about today?
• Have I agreed to do something for God and failed to follow through?