November 16 | Isaiah 2:6-18; Isaiah 30:1-11

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 2:6-18

Isaiah 30:1-11

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REFLECTION

The Biblical Don'ts

By Elaine Pierce

These verses are full of warnings of what NOT to do. Take a look at some of them:

• don't practice divinations

• don't clasp hands with pagans

• don't fill your land with idols

• don't sign an alliance with a country that doesn't believe in God

• don't count on horses and riches to protect you from hard times

It might be tempting to think to yourself, well, these are ancient peoples. Surely we don't build statues to idols. And we certainly don't count on horses to protect us! Before you write this off and think that you're in the clear because you aren't superstitious, take a look at these verses:

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? (Isaiah 2:22).

Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. (Isaiah 30:10b).

Isaiah warns the people not to trust in man, but they don't listen. They don't want to hear what God has to say. They just want pleasant things....illusions. I'm reminded of the old country song called "Looking for love in all the wrong places." No one likes to be disciplined (just ask any two year old). No one likes to hear that they are not in charge. But what a mess we make when we ignore the God of the universe, who loves us and wants the best for us. Time and time again we choose our own way, and time and time again God calls us back to him.

He sent prophets to warn us, but we ignored them. He sent his Son, his only son, who paid the ultimate price for our sin. And now, we 'obstinate children,' as Isaiah so aptly calls us, can come to him for forgiveness, for hope, for the life that will be fulfilling and good. Take time today to ponder this anew, and to thank him for this eternal gift.

PRAYER

Lord, I do look for fulfilment in all the wrong places. Help me to put my trust in you, and to recognize when I go astray. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help me to rest in his love and his grace. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!