The Cost of Not Listening
We’re famous for this. God is speaking all the time. Paul reminds us in Romans that He is constantly communicating to us through creation, conscience, Christ, and His Church. In fact, he says that everyone is “without excuse” when it comes to God’s accessibility.But we do not pay attention well. As a nation, this is abundantly evident. If there was ever a moment where we should be crying out in prayer for God’s mercy, it is now. We see signs of fervent prayer that are encouraging, but is it all God desires?Sudden CollapseIsrael failed to listen, and though their collapse was warned, it was still a surprise. God told them:
“Since you have rejected this word and have put your trust in oppression and guile, and have relied on them, therefore this iniquity will be to you like a breach about to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse comes suddenly in an instant” (Isaiah 30:12-13 NASB).
Our nation witnessed this on 9/11. A sudden attack. And now we see increasing terrorism almost weekly.But the worst assault is on morality. The collapse is not impending. Our moral wall has fallen.What most of us fail to grasp is that this does not get better without revival. In fact, it can get suddenly worse.The way of life most enjoy can be lost in short order. The freedoms the church has experienced can be arrested. Because we have grown up enjoying such liberties, it’s hard to imagine their loss.Will things get better without revival? Without a great, gracious, sovereign outpouring of God’s Spirit, bringing the course correction we need?I don’t think so. In fact, the prospect is for continued digression, just as every nation has experienced in history when they’ve reached this level of social and moral rebellion.Our Only HopeThe most amazing thing about such moments is our waiting God. In this same prophetic passage, God gives this prescription:
Thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said,“In repentance and rest you will be saved,in quietness and trust is your strength.”But you were not willing (Isaiah 30:15).
Willingness is illustrated by our daily routine—our repentant, fervent response. Has your spiritual lifestyle intensified in light of the potential and coming collapse?Are we willing? Only time will tell. Until then, we should cry out and enlist everyone we know to join us for the merciful intervention of our great, reviving Savior!