SUMMARY: Told you
OVERVIEW: God reminds Israel that they should turn from their stubbornness and obey him because he is a promise keeper and his prophecies always come true.
BIG IDEA: Our obedience is also our blessing because “There is no peace for the wicked” (verse 22).
KEY VERSE: Isaiah 48:11 (God to Israel)
I will rescue you for my sake— yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols!
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
When you are my child and claim to rely on my name, I want your mind and soul to be soft and pliable. I want you to be moldable so I can make you into the person I’ve created you to be. Don’t fight me—I am for you. When you flex your stubborn muscles—when your neck is like iron and your forehead is like bronze—you are not following me. You are resisting me. Don’t claim to love me but then disregard and deny me.
My reputation is important to me. I will not share my glory with another. I refine you to teach you and to restore our relationship. I also refine you because it is what is best for you. When you pay attention to my commands, you will be comforted. You will experience hope and joy, and you will live the life I intended. There is no peace for the wicked, but there is hope and blessing for the obedient.
NEXT STEP
Don’t be stubborn, and obey God today. Don’t wait for God to discipline you. Instead, ask God to search your heart. Is there an area of your life you need to surrender to God? Do it today.
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