When time runs out
Look, my decree is written out in front of me: I will not stand silent; I will repay them in full! Yes, I will repay them—both for their own sins and for those of their ancestors,” says the Lord. “For they also burned incense on the mountains and insulted me on the hills. I will pay them back in full! Isaiah 65:6-7 NLT
Isaiah has been telling the people the reason why God has not been answering their prayers. It was their sin of rebellion that prevents God from answering. “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). They continued to resist God’s offer of forgiveness and restoration. Despite ignoring His call to them, God continues to hold out His hands offering grace to them. They prefer to follow their own way rather than listen to God. Because of this, Isaiah from the text told them that God will not withhold His judgment. “Look, my decree is written out in front of me: I will not stand silent; I will repay them in full!” (Isaiah 65:6). God will not condone blatant rebellion and wanton disregard of His command. Their continued illicit worship of idols burning “incense on the mountains” is an insult to God. They have been already told in the past what actions are offensive to God and included is the worship of idols. “When you drive out the nations that live there, you must destroy all the places where they worship their gods—high on the mountains, up on the hills, and under every green tree” (Deuteronomy 12:2). God will not lower His standards just so we can get away with our willful rejection of His decree. Once we resist His authority over our lives, we become the authority. Such action is provoking God brazenly. Sins committed do matter before God. This is the reason why Christ came in this world and died on the cross so that there will be forgiveness. “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). It is because of His love to us that He continues to pursue us. While there is still time, turn to Him and acknowledge His rule over your life. “‘As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation’” (1 Corinthians 6:1-2).
Blessings,
