Take Heed

What will it take for some people to wake up? My Bible reading this morning was in Isaiah, where the prophet is warning the Israelites to forsake their sins and return to the Lord. God gave the Israelites warning after warning through the prophets, yet the people persisted in doing evil and worshipping idols.

Isaiah 65:11-12 really caught my attention. It says, "I called but you did not answer. I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”

In every age and nation, the Lord leaves those who persist in doing evil and despise the call of the Gospel. It's our choice, whether we are going to ignore God's warnings or whether we will turn away from our sins and return to the Lord.

We are all in a battle. I heard one preacher say, "the devil has a trap specifically designed to fit your foot." Satan knows our weaknesses, and he wants to bring us down. It's a constant battle that we fight all our lives. Sometimes, we fall. I fail to live up to God's standard more times than I care to admit, but God's grace is there in those times to lead us back. When we get off track, it's His love that calls us to come back and make things right.

We must answer the call. Isaiah 66 says there will be judgment for those who don't heed the warnings. It says, "They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations; so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread."

Even with such stern warnings, the Israelites still would not turn back to God and repent. They continued to worship their idols. Many of them were taken into exile because they didn't listen to the warnings.

What's it going to take for people today to wake up and see the warning signs? God is so merciful and compassionate, and He gives us so many chances. He even sent His Son to show us the way. Now, it's up to us whether we're going to follow Him. The judgment is coming to the earth one day, but if we have surrendered our lives to God we have nothing to fear.

Will you heed the warnings? Remember, if you stay ready, you never have to get ready!