Things haven't Really Changed

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Isaiah 1:2-3 Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth;
for the LORD has spoken:
I reared children and brought them up,
but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib;
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.

Observation: Although originally written to a people from long, long ago, it could most certainly still apply today.

Application: I’m not really willing to say that the whole world is discrepant. But I would say that many in the world, perhaps especially those of us from—all things considered, more privileged backgrounds—have a tendency to want to satisfy our own needs prior to meeting the needs of others. In short, we often think of ourselves first.

In this way we are quite similar to the people to whom Isaiah originally spoke/wrote. We have forgotten that we have a divine parent. In short, we have forgotten where we came from and whose we ultimately are. Hence the near obsession (or at least interest) for getting what WE want out of life.

The problem with such thinking is that, not only does it prevent us from honoring our maker, but it also leaves many of our fellow human beings in the dust. Isaiah cried out on behalf of the poor and the widow and the orphan, but his was a rather lonely voice—easily drowned out by a chorus of people picketing for “me first.”

Prayer: Lord, I doubt that many if any of us are immune from a desire to protect our own interests. But please help more and more of us to take at least a step in the direction of thinking of others as well as ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Isaiah 1-3, Titus 3)