July 1, 2015: SOAP #2036

Scripture: Isaiah (NIV) 1:2 Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner’s manager, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. …4b My people have walked out on me, their GOD, turned their backs on The Holy One of Israel, walked off and never looked back.

Observation: Man was made in God’s image with the capacity to hurt when relationships fall apart. How much more does God hurt when His people turn their backs on Him? He has such great plans for man. He has invested SO MUCH in the relationship. Surely His heart is often broken.

Application: My God, Who has done so much for me, hurts as He sees the condition of this world He created, and of man who He formed out of the dirt and in whom He breathed life. In the above verses His heart was hurt by Israel turning away from Him. Today, His heart is hurt by a nation that He has blest in so many ways but has been turning from His ways.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the pain your creation has caused you. I am sorry for the pain I have caused you. I pray that my life today brings you joy. Amen