9 December 2022

O that you had paid attention to my commandments!
Then your prosperity would have been like a river,
and your success like the waves of the sea;
your offspring would have been like the sand,
and your descendants like its grains;
their name would never be cut off
or destroyed from before me.

From Isaiah 48:17-19, NRSV

In recent days our readings from the prophet Isaiah have given words of reassurance and promise for the people of Israel. Today the prophet’s words are more by way of a warning than of reassurance. Before returning to their homeland, they are reminded of the disobedience to God that had led them into captivity. It is as if God wants them to make sure that they do not repeat their previous errors. Through Isaiah, the people of Israel are reminded that God wanted only the best for them and relented over the peace and prosperity they lost because they had not paid attention to how they were instructed to live. The people are to understand that if they are to enjoy the good things God wants for them then they will need to live in obedience to God’s commands.

• • Was it important for the people to be reminded of their past wrongs?
  • How does our sin and failure affect our relationship with God?

Pray today for those who seek forgiveness and redemption from their sin.