What actions in Isaiah 65:12 led to God's judgment, and how can we avoid them? Setting the Scene “I will destine you for the sword, and all of you will bow down for the slaughter, because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen. You did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” Four Provocations That Brought Judgment • Ignoring God’s call – God “called, but you did not answer.” – Refusal to respond to His invitations (Luke 14:16-24). • Refusing to listen to His word – “I spoke, but you did not listen.” – Active tuning-out of revealed truth (Jeremiah 7:13; Hebrews 3:7-8). • Practicing evil openly – “You did evil in My sight.” – Willful sin, not mere stumbling (Romans 1:32). • Preferring what displeases God – “You chose that in which I did not delight.” – Deliberate adoption of values opposite His (Psalm 1:1-2). Practical Steps to Avoid Their Mistakes • Answer when God calls – Keep a tender heart; respond promptly to conviction (Isaiah 55:6-7). • Develop a listening posture – Daily Scripture intake and obedient hearing (James 1:22). • Reject and repent of known sin – Confess, forsake, and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13). • Choose what delights the Lord – Delight in His law and seek His will (Psalm 40:8; Colossians 1:10). The Blessing of Obedient Response • Answered call leads to fellowship (Revelation 3:20). • Listening brings wisdom and stability (Matthew 7:24-25). • Turning from evil secures mercy (Isaiah 55:7). • Choosing God’s pleasure positions us for eternal joy (John 15:10-11). |
    |