READING: Isaiah 30:1-33:24
The people of Isaiah’s day did not want to hear a word from the Lord. It wasn’t that they were opposed to hearing anything from their prophets; it was instead that they wanted to hear only what they wanted to hear. They were not willing to hear the Lord’s instruction. They told the prophets not to speak what is right, but instead to speak “flattering things” to them. They wanted to hear illusions and lies more than the truth. In fact, their words to their prophets were strong: “Rid us of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa 30:11).
It seems to me that it not without purpose that Isaiah 30:11 (also translated in the ESV as, “let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel”) is directly followed by verse 12: “Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel . . . .” The people had said they wanted to hear no more about Israel’s God, but God quickly struck against that thinking by sending a word to them. They may have wanted the prophets to be quiet about God, but God was unwilling to be quiet with His people. Judgment would indeed come.
We serve a God who speaks with His children through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. We are wise to listen to Him and obey Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever not want to hear the truth of God’s Word?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, make me willing to listen to what You want me to hear.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 34:1-35:10, Micah 2:1-5:15