This post is Day 19 in a series of studies about “Suddenly”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Suddenly – Day 19

Reading the Old Testament tells us that God was frequently having to reprimand His children as they strayed from the truth and did things the way they thought best. This often played into the hands of enemy nations who had been prompted by greed or fear to attack the Israelites.

Isaiah 30:12-13

Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant.

The Thought

This is a hard message that this Old Testament prophet had to give to God’s people. The chapter begins with “Woe to the obstinate children” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not Mine…” (v1).

Reading some of the Old Testament tells us that God was frequently having to reprimand His children as they strayed from the truth and did things the way they thought best. This often played into the hands of enemy nations who had been prompted by greed or fear to attack the Israelites. God’s response to those sins was often a “suddenly”.

Sadly I have heard of many in my lifetime, who would call themselves Christians, but who have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit!

Even today some who go to church on Sunday pay those who work for them less than the minimum wage. Sadly from time to time we read about pastors or priests abusing children, having extra-marital affairs etcetera. The list could go on!

Action

How would you feel today if a prophet stood up in your church gathering and declared “Woe to you”?

Think about your own life. Ask God if there is anything you must repent of.

Read Psalm 51. It is a psalm of repentance by David. He wrote it after he took Bathsheba (someone else’s wife), got her pregnant, and then arranged to have her husband killed!

Pray today for forgiveness for any you know who have rejected this message, relied on oppression and depended on deceit.

Praise The Lord that He is slow to anger, and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity (Jonah 4:2).

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