Reasoning With God

SCRIPTURE - ISAIAH 1:18-20

"’Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD.  ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’  For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

OBSERVATION:

I love this passage because it is written in the context of a relationship between a father and sons.  Sons who have rebelled against their dad - who have went sideways against his values and ignored his desires.  God’s not talking to enemies here.  Instead, He is talking to His kids.  While He is right and even angry He does not misplace the relationship.

He is convinced that His children can “learn to do right” (vs 17) so He desires to reason together.  The key is to not misunderstand “reason”.  God is truth, all knowing, and all wise.  When He wants to reason together it is not so we can convince Him that we are right - it is not a debate.  He desires to hear us out so He can bring His truth to us - we need to know where our lives don’t line up.  That is why “reasoning” is followed by possible responses and possible consequences - obedience and God’s hand of blessing, or rebellion and the removal of God’s hand of protection.

APPLICATION:

I need to spend time reasoning together with God - to share my thoughts with Him so that I can hear them along side of God’s thoughts.  I need to see where my reasoning is not in sync with God’s.  I need to choose willingness and obedience.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for your goodness toward me.  Thank you that you never misplace our relationship.  You always deal with me as a son and not an enemy.  You see the potential in me to learn to do right and reason with me toward that end.  Help me to be willing and obedient - that is my commitment to you.  In Jesus name - AMEN!