Warn the People

TEXT: ISAIAH 6:9-13

Key verse: “And he said: Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not” (Isaiah 6:9).

Few things are as despairing as when there is a prior knowledge that one’s action will have little or no effect on the situation at hand. Not surprising, many people would avoid getting involved in what appears to be a waste of time.

Not so for Isaiah. He had just offered himself to run errands for the Lord. So, when he was handed a very strange message to convey to his people about their impending ruin, he had no choice. He received no assurance of great success, but that the people will defiantly ignore him and the word of God - their only means of reconciliation with God. Isaiah’s message was to foreshadow the rejection of Jesus Christ by the Jews of His time. They would neither recognise nor accept Him. Startled by this message, Isaiah wondered whether his labour was to be totally in vain. Not so, the Lord responded. A few would listen. They would serve to show that God’s mercy is available for those who turn away from their despicable ways.

Today’s Christians have the same task to preach the gospel. They should not become despondent because fewer people are accepting the good news. In Noah’s time, only eight people were saved from the deluge. Only four people escaped from Sodom and Gomorrah, while only three made it to safety. 

Far from being despondent, we should encourage people not to wait until disaster strikes before turning to God. We should tell them that His mercy and love can avail for them if they show the willingness to amend their evil ways. Spreading the gospel is not only because of Christ’s command to all Christians, it is the only worthwhile activity with which the Lord expects us to occupy ourselves.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The greatest gift you can give is a timely warning