Our Choices

“I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen. Instead you did evil in My sight … My servants will shout joyfully with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a painful heart.” – Isaiah 65:12, 14 NASB

God told Isaiah He stood with outstretched arms, ready to receive and bless all who called on Him. He was available even “to a nation which did not call on My name,” saying, “Here am I” (v. 1).

Sadly, many of His people turned their backs on Him. They ignored Him. Defied Him. Instead of obeying Him they were “rebellious” and did things that were “not good.” They followed “their own thoughts” (v. 2) and continually provoked Him. Those who were proud, arrogant, and self-righteous offended Him.

But He recognized that some did not have this attitude. They were like the discovery of “new wine … found in the cluster.” He ordered, “Do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it” (v. 8). While promising protection and blessing for His servants, those who refused to listen could expect another fate.

In one of his last statements, Joshua charged Israel, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Every day, we must make choices just like the one Joshua offered to Israel. And as Isaiah prophesied, we will experience the fruit of our choices.

Today, what will you decide? Will you go your own way, or will you choose to serve God unconditionally? Make your choice clear in your actions. Choose to obey His Word. Choose to seek first His kingdom.

Reflection Question: Whom will you choose to serve today? How will your choice be evident?