God desires a relationship with His people, but we have a tendency to go our own way. The prophet Isaiah made this observation:

All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6)

When we live in communion with God we may experience His blessings. Conversely, when we ignore God and His ways we are left with the consequences of our choices. Throughout Old Testament history we see that God had sent His prophets to warn the people. Isaiah was called to be a prophet to serve as God’s spokesman. Isaiah described the people to whom he ministered:

“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “Who execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, in order to add sin to sin;” (Isaiah 30:1)

God had repeatedly called His people to follow Him, but they continued to ignore His teachings and went their own way:

For this is a rebellious people, false sons, sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the LORD; (Isaiah 30:9)

Isaiah reiterated the gracious nature of the Lord. God is not willing that any would perish, but that we would follow Him:

For this is what the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing, (Isaiah 30:15)

God taught that in repentance and rest we shall be saved. The root of the word saved means to be open and free and by implication to be safe, delivered, and victorious. God then reiterated this concept by emphasizing that in quietness and trust is our strength. The word strength emphasizes power and strength that results in victory. If you’re not experiencing the blessings of God, then perhaps you’re not going in the right direction. As we follow Him, we discover that knowing God is life’s greatest treasure and doing God’s will is life’s greatest pleasure.

Although these benefits were available, the people chose not to follow Him. Isaiah then delivered these chilling words, “But you were not willing.” Are you willing to follow God’s word? We do not violate the laws of God without suffering the consequences – either sooner or later. God wants to bless His people, but we must be willing to walk in His ways. Christ demonstrated His love by dying for us; we show ours by living for Him. It starts with having a fresh view of God and His love for us:

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. (Isaiah 30:18)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark