I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that did not call on my name.” vs. 1
Isaiah 65:1-7
The people of Israel were not fools. Their country had been devastated and their ruling families carried away as captives, and they were wondering why God had allowed their chosen nation to suffer–some were even blaming God for their travails. But the prophet is not sympathetic. Instead, he mounts a defense for God and tells the people that God had given them many opportunities to change their ways–but they didn’t respond. Of course they’re not the only ones to ignore God’s invitation. Many of those called to be children of God do the same thing. They are invited to enjoy the peaceable kingdom, but instead they go their own way and do exactly as they please. They know what pleases God but instead please themselves, worshiping that which titillates the senses and ignoring the clear directives of God to love their neighbor. And then when their carefully crafted self-serving ways reap the consequences of idolatry, they have the effrontery to blame God, saying “O Lord, we know you to be merciful and loving, how is it that you let these things happen and didn’t rescue us!” Oh, how foolish we humans are, putting God on trial for those things which are clearly the consequences of our own behavior!
Thought for the Day: When have I gotten what I deserve for poor behavior?
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