If Only

"If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me." - Isaiah 48:18-19

Why do we as believers in Christ Jesus not wholly and gladly yield ourselves in obedience to the Word of God? Just look at the peace that would be ours. Look at the many gracious promises God gives to those who follow His ways. Look at how strong and wise and able our Lord is to make good on His Word.

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it." - Psalm 81:10

God reminds His people of how mighty He is to save, to deliver and to provide us with His richest blessings. He reminds us of how sure He is to answer in our distresses and bring us to the place of abundance and rest. Yet, Israel was so quick to chase after other things and ignore the clear warnings given them through the prophets.

"But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices." - Psalm 81:11-12

Those who stubbornly continue to refuse the Lord will suffer in themselves the due penalty for their sin (cf. Rom. 1:18-31). God is indeed patient with us and gives man numerous opportunities to turn from sin and trust in Him, but He will not coddle us forever. Sometimes the very worst punishment He can inflict on a man is simply to let him follow his own ways, forfeiting the protection and provision God offers.

One of our deacons came early Sunday morning to shovel the sidewalks at the church. We had just enough snow and plenty of ice this past week to make the conditions dangerous for many people. He cleared the walkways and entrances to the building so that no one would get hurt. He didn't want anyone to fall.

Anyone who pulled into the parking lot could see clearly that the sidewalks were safe to walk on. Imagine then, if someone intentionally chose to avoid the cleared walkways and tried to skate in some other way. There would be a good chance that they would slip and fall and get hurt.

God has plainly shown the way that we should walk. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). How foolish it is for us to attempt to walk a different path! If we avoid following the commands of His Word we're missing out on the protection and provision He lovingly offers to us in this world. He longs to keep us safe from the dangers and entanglements of sin. He does not want us to stumble and fall. But if we stubbornly refuse to take His instruction, then we will suffer the inevitable consequences.

"If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" - Psalm 81:13-14

Don't you see how the heart of God yearns to display His power and His might among His people? Why would we choose to spurn God's commands which are for our good, when He promises us such blessings?

"Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." - Psalm 81:15-16

If only we will follow the commands of the Lord. We would not only avoid so much turmoil and grief and worry and fear, but we will receive in great confidence the promises of God's protection and provision and peace. We will be fully satisfied in Him.