God exposes disobedience……………

^“ Heaven and earth, you’re the jury.
Listen to God’s case: “I had children and raised them well, and they turned on me.
The ox knows who’s boss, the mule knows the hand that feeds him,
But not Israel.

My people don’t know up from down.
Shame! Misguided God-dropouts, staggering under their guilt-baggage, Gang of miscreants, band of vandals—
My people have walked out on me, their God, turned their backs on The Holy of Israel, walked off and never looked back.

 “Why bother even trying to do anything with you when you just keep to your bullheaded ways?

You keep beating your heads against brick walls.
Everything within you protests against you.

From the bottom of your feet to the top of your head,
nothing’s working right.”   Isa. 1:2-6   Message Bible

Of course we should choose obedience rather than rebellion but it is so hard to do when our flesh is in control.   Most of us desire is to be obedient but our flesh has a greater stronghold over us and consequently we surrender to our flesh.

Samuel told us that God said, “…Obedience is better than sacrifice….” 

Most people really want to be obedient as long as it does not require giving up something that is too important to them.  Idolatry is the number one stronghold the enemy uses to keep us walking in disobedience.

Have you ever felt like God does not hear your prayers?   Do you feel like you are living the same day or situation over and over?

 “Why aren’t you answering my prayers, God?”

Check your obedience level.   Have you been obedient in anything God has asked you to do?  

Ask Him to reveal any idolatry or disobedience in your life in respect to why you have unanswered prayers.

Isaiah accused Israel of the worst kind of rebellion, like children rebelling against parents, Isa. 1:2.

Don’t we usually pity parents whose children rebel against them and bring shame and disgrace upon the family?

Is there any greater disaster for parents than seeing their children go astray?

God’s children were more rebellious than animals. (vs. 3)

What they did was completely contrary to good sense and their own best interests.  In addition, it was the epitome of ungratefulness. (vs. 5)

God’s children had chosen rebellion over obedience.   They wanted their way and wanted God to bless them while living in their pigpens.

God calls upon us to choose.    We must make a choice between obedience and rebellion.   

Remember our scripture Monday from Rom. 12:1?
It stated that we were to offer our body as a living sacrifice.  In verse two it tells us not to conform to the world’s pattern.

There is no way to really know the blessings of following God’s will until you put your whole heart into trying.  You will see great results, if you would only try. 

You would see God’s hand in answered prayers, miracles, healing and deliverance through your obedience.  

God rewards obedience!