Jehovah Teaches Us for Our God, Chapter Nine

WHEN Jehovah speaks, those who are wise listen with great respect and respond to his words. Everything that Jehovah says is for our benefit, and he is keenly interested in our welfare. For example, how heartwarming it is to consider the way Jehovah addressed  his ancient covenant people: "O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments!"  (Isaiah 48:18)  The proven value of God's teachings should move us to listen to him and follow his guidance.  The record of fulfilled prophecy dispels any doubt about Jehovah's determination to fulfill his promises. 

The words of the 48th chapter of the book Isaiah' were evidently written for the sake of the Jews who would be exiles in Babylon.  Further, these words contain a message  that Christians today cannot ignore.  In Isaiah  chapter 47, the Bible foretold the fall of Babylon. Now Jehovah describes what he has in  mind for the Jewish exiles in that city.  Jehovah is grieved by the hypocrisy  of his chosen people and their stubborn disbelief in his promises.  Still, he wants to instruct them for their good.  He foresees a period of refinement leading to the restoration of a faithful remnant to their homeland.

How far Jehovah's people have deviated from pure worship! Isaiah's opening words  are sobering: "Hear this, O house of Jacob, you who are calling yourselves by the name of Israel and who have come forth from the very waters of Judah, you who are swearing by the name of Jehovah and who make mention even of the God of Israel, not in truth and not in righteousness.  For they have called themselves as being from the holy city, and upon the God of Israel they have supported themselves, Jehovah of armies being his name." (Isaiah 48:1, 2) How hypocritical! "Swearing by the name of Jehovah" is clearly no  more  than using God's name in a formalistic  way.  (Zephaniah 1:5) Before their exile in Babylon, the Jews worshiped Jehovah at "the holy city," Jerusalem.  But their worship was insincere.  Their hearts were "not in truth and not in righteousness."  They did not have the faith of the patriarchs. -Malachi 3:7.

Jehovah's words remind us that worship should not be perfunctory. It must be heartfelt.  Mere token service-does not constitute  "deeds of godly devotion."  (2 Peter 3:11)  A person's  calling himself a Christian does not in itself make  his worship acceptable to God.  (2 Timothy 3:5) Recognizing that Jehovah exists in vital, but it is only a beginning.  Jehovah wants worship that is whole-souled and a motivated   by deep love and appreciation. -Colossians 3:23.

Next time: Foretelling New Things

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001