Reforming (phase 1), Existential Experience of the History of Salvation (step 4), session 4

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;
for the LORD has spoken:
"Sons have I reared and brought up,
but they have rebelled against me.
The ox knows its owner,
and the ass its master's crib;
but Israel does not know,
my people does not understand."
Ah, sinful nation,
a people laden with iniquity,
offspring of evildoers,
sons who deal corruptly!
They have forsaken the LORD,
they have despised the Holy One of Israel,
they are utterly estranged. - Is 1, 2-4

As I was sharing with men's group about my son-in-law's view of the world, they encouraged me to remember that God feels this way about his beloved children all. the. time, or - more accurately, I suppose - perpetually.

I think I could do with feeling a little less like God.

It is hard to trust that this minor glimpse into his heart is good for me. But even as I resist it, I can see how it might be a useful tool in the next step, as he moves me to step up my opposition to my personal sinfulness.

Your country lies desolate,
your cities are burned with fire;
in your very presence
aliens devour your land;
it is desolate, as overthrown by aliens.
And the daughter of Zion is left
like a booth in a vineyard,
like a lodge in a cucumber field,
like a besieged city. - Is 1, 7-8

What will it take for us to recognize the inevitable end of our selfish short-sightedness? How many destroyed families and lives must lie in ruins behind us?  How many hearts must lie broken and bleeding in our wake?

Again, there is so much more in this first chapter of Isaiah, all of which belongs to this session. We see God's rejection of our ritualized offerings in the context of our corrupt, self-centered hearts and lives. We hear his promise to restore justice and righteousness. We are warned of the fate that awaits those who fail to repent of their wickedness.

I tremble, yet I hope in his goodness and grace.