Isaiah 1:1-15 is among the bleakest passages in all the Bible. God, speaking through Isaiah, declares that Israel has revolted against him, has abandoned him and has become desolate. He declares that Israel has bloodied hands and is not worthy to come into his presence.
But I noticed a single verse that seem to strike home with our present circumstances today:
“An ox knows its owner, and a donkey its master’s manger, But Israel does not know, My people do not understand.”
Isaiah 1:3
What do you think he means? What does Israel not know and what do they not understand? It seems clear from the context that they do not understand God nor do they even know him. God’s chosen people have departed far from him.
The same idea is found in Hosea, penned by a prophet contemporaneous with Isaiah. He writes:
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
Hosea 4:6
What a terrible thought that the ignorance of one can have profound consequences for one’s children.
To know God is to know his love, not from an academic, intellectual perspective but from the heart. An intimate knowledge bolstered by the evidence of his love and blessing at every turn. It was Paul who declared that he would surrender all things just for the knowledge of Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8). To walk with him was all that Paul desired.
To know God is to do far more that read the Bible. The knowledge of God comes only from a daily walk with him. God is discovered through constant reminders of his power and might as well as his love and compassion.
Decide now to know the Lord. Come to him humbly and melt into the warmth of his love. Obey him and be set free from the sins that bind.
