Isaiah 30-32

July 30

Isaiah 30-32

Sometimes people just do not want to hear the truth. They believe that in some way by not knowing the truth it is not true. When we think rationally, we know this is not the way the world operates. Ignorance is not bliss. Children will cover their ears and make noise so they cannot hear what they do not want to hear, but that does not remove them from accountability for the message they received.

Israel was tired of hearing God’s words of discipline. They wanted the prophets to give them good news. They wanted to hear things that pleased them, that made them feel good. But God was trying to correct them to spare them destruction. They did not want to hear the truth. "They say to the seers, “See no more visions!” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!”" (Isaiah 30:10-11, NIV)

Because they would not listen to God’s messengers or messages, He brought judgment upon Israel. The good news is that when God brings judgment, He also brings grace. "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" (Isaiah 30:18, NIV)

Many people do not want to hear the truth from God’s word. They want to live the way they want to live and see God as an oppressor. But God wants what is best for us. He wants us to live full and fulfilled lives free of the consequences of sin. He warns us and encourages us to turn from our sin and to turn toward Him. Watering down the word of God or covering our ears and not listening, does not change its truth. God is calling us into a loving relationship with Him. He is not trying to oppress us, but wants to set us free.