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You are here: Home / God's Narrative / A glimpse of God ‘ s emotion (Isaiah 1-4)

A glimpse of God ‘ s emotion (Isaiah 1-4)

December 17, 2007 By Seth Leave a Comment

Every other time I've read through the Bible I've had a hard time grasping Isaiah.  I'm not ready to claim that this time through will be any different, but I do feel a better understanding after having just read of Uziah's stupidity as a leader and the failure of the majority of Israel's and Judah's kings to lead in a way that brought honor to the Lord.  As a pastor of students I have spoken with a number of parents who are grieved by the choices their kids have made.  I think God used that analogy to help people understand the grief He felt as a result of Israel's rebelliousness.  He cared deeply for His people and tried to direct them in the right way, but just as a rebellious teenager saddens his parents, so Israel saddened God by their disobedience to His commandments.  The words in 1:11 are incredible: "I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goat."  God didn't want there to have to be sacrifices for sins; He did it as an act of mercy on His people.  God's desire all along was for obedience.  I think we miss that sometimes in our culture.  We tend to embrace the mantra that Paul spoke so vehemently against: grace is license to sin.  God desires obedience more than anything else.  More than flashy worship or gifted speakers; more than routine attendance or heartless repentance.  God has always desired obedience – since the beginning of humanity.  Sadly, the one thing God desires is often the thing He does not get.  True repentance leads to ultimate obedience, and sin grieves God.

December 17, 2007 9:00 pm Seth Leave a Comment

About Seth

Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have two daughters, Madelyn and Noelle.

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Seth is a pastor, author, and speaker who lives in Batesville, Indiana. He is married to Kari, and they have a daughter, Madelyn.

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