[Biblemat] A) REBELLIOUS CHILDREN

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Monday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

REBELLIOUS CHILDREN

     The Prophet Isaiah emphasized the rebellious behavior of
the children of Israel in the very first chapter of his book.  Hear what he 
says:  "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth!
For the Lord has spoken:  'I have nourished and brought up
children, And they have rebelled against Me; The ox knows
its owner And the donkey knows its master's crib; But Israel
does not know, My people do not consider.'  Alas, sinful nat-
ion, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Child-
ren who are corrupters!  They have forsaken the Lord, They
have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, They have 
turned away backward."  (Isa. 1:2-4).

     He said that even an ox recognizes his owner and the stub-
born donkey knows enough to come home to his own stall (vs. 3).  Yet Israel 
ignored God's nourishing care and eventual-
ly provoked Him to anger (vs. 4).

     The people of Israel turned away from the Lord like unruly
children.  Their worship and sacrifices became an abominat-
ion to God, for their hearts were far from Him (Isa. 29:13; Matt. 15:8,9).  
They resisted His warnings and finally experien-
ced divine judgment.  The beautiful land of milk and honey was looted and 
ransacked before their very eyes.

     As Christians, we should be fearful at the thought of being
HIS children and acting in a way contrary to His desire.  Think-
ing of God's great mercy and grace, how could we consider 
all the blessings we have and rebel against Him?

     When we sin, we must repent.  You cannot continue in sin.
The Lord went on to tell the people what they must do, He
said:  "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away
the evil of your doings from before My eyes.  Cease to do evil
Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, 
Plead for the widow.  Come now, and
let us reason together, Says the Lord,  Though your sins are
like crimson, They shall be as wool.  If you are willing and 
obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse
and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword; For the mouth of the Lord has 
spoken."  (Isa. 1:16-20).  ----- Shane
Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 8, No. 11, March 2008.   </HTML>
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