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I wonder how much Ephraim (the northern kingdom) regretted their attitude towards being told what was the right thing to do?

Have you ever had someone tell you what to do? A parent, a teacher, a preacher and you just thought you knew better only later to find out that maybe they knew what they were talking about? That is what happens here. Isaiah’s message of punishment now turns to Israel, where before he was dealing with the nations surrounding God’s chosen people, he now speaks directly to them. Isaiah is telling Ephraim that they need to turn back to God, that they need to leave their idol worship behind, that God is going to punish them.

 

But like spoiled little children they ignore Isaiah’s words and taunt him with “Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule, a little here, a little there.” I’m almost hearing them say “nan a na a na na a”. Oh come on people – grow up. Listen to the word of truth. It is going to get very bad for the Israelites. And they are just throwing the message back in Isaiah’s face (and ultimately God’s face). Can I just say, “Exile”? Judgment is going to be swift and harsh.

 

Are we too, reacting to the teachings of Jesus in the same way? Have we already formed our own opinions of what is right and what is wrong? Do we make up our own rules and then thumb our noses at the Bible and its truths?

 

It is my prayer that we will grow up and realize that those childish ideas (like all religions are the same¹) are not in step with God’s plan for us. If we keep God first in our life, then God will protect us and bless us with a peace that we could never experience on our own. I pray that your life with Jesus will continue to deepen and grow. And that we will all be adult enough to listen to the truth with understanding and appreciation and a willingness to correct our behavior.