1:2 Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth!
This is what the Lord says:
“The children I raised and cared for
have rebelled against me.
3 Even an ox knows its owner,
and a donkey recognizes its master’s care—
but Israel doesn’t know its master.
My people don’t recognize my care for them.”
4 Oh, what a sinful nation they are—
loaded down with a burden of guilt.
They are evil people,
corrupt children who have rejected the Lord.
They have despised the Holy One of Israel
and turned their backs on him.
5 Why do you continue to invite punishment?
Must you rebel forever?
Your head is injured,
and your heart is sick.
Must you rebel forever?
Your head is injured,
and your heart is sick.
And after continuing to 'rail' on them, God says this:
18 “Come now, let’s argue this out,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
19 If you will only obey me,
you will have plenty to eat.
20 But if you turn away and refuse to listen,
you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
I will make them as white as wool.
19 If you will only obey me,
you will have plenty to eat.
20 But if you turn away and refuse to listen,
you will be devoured by the sword of your enemies.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”
I love what He says - "Let's argue this out..." But you know what? God is always right. You can 'argue it out' all you want, but God's word is always true.
My reading today ended with this chapter. Again, I love the phrasing: 'The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms' - I think we should pay attention to it:
8:11 The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms:
"Do not think like everyone else does.
12 Do not be afraid that some plan conceived
behind closed doors will be the end of you.
13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.
He is the one you should fear.
He is the one who should make you tremble.
14 He will keep you safe.
13 Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.
He is the one you should fear.
He is the one who should make you tremble.
14 He will keep you safe.
If you fear God, you need fear nothing else.
And since God knows everything don't you think that God would be the perfect defense against plans made behind closed doors? God is the best thing for our lives.
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