"Pay Attention to My Commandments"

Empowered by Jehovah's spirit, the prophet declares:  "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has sent me, even his spirit. This is what Jehovah has said, your Repurchaser , the Holy One of Israel: 'I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.' " (Isaiah 48:16b, 17)  This loving expression of Jehovah's care should reassure the nation of Israel that God is going to deliver them from Babylon.  He is their Repurchaser.  (Isaiah 54:5)   Jehovah's heartfelt desire is that the Israelites restore their relationship with him and pat attention to his commandments. True worship  is based upon obeying divine instructions. The Israelites are unable to walk in the right way unless they are taught "the way in which to walk.'

Jehovah's desire that his people avoid calamity and enjoy life is beautifully expressed:  "O if only you would actually pay attention to  my commandments!  Then your peace would become just like the river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (Isaiah 48:18)  What  a heartfelt appeal from the almighty Creator!  (Deuteronomy 5:29; Psalm 81:13)  Instead of gong into captivity the Israelites  can enjoy peace that will be as bountiful as the water flowing in a river.  (Psalm 119:165) Their deeds of righteousness can be as innumerable as the waves of the sea.  (Amos 5:24)  As the one really interested  int hem, the way in which they should walk.  Oh, if only they will listen!

What blessings would come if Israel would repent?  Jehovah says:  "Your offspring would become just like the sand, and the descendants from your inward parts like the grains of it. One's name would not be cut off or be annihilated from before me." (Isaiah 48:19) )  Jehovah reminds the people of his promise that Abraham's seed would become many, "like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand that are on the seashore."  (Genesis 22:17; 32:12)  However, these descendants of Abraham have been rebellious, and they do not have the right to receive the fulfillment of the promise. Really, their record has been so bad that by Jehovah's own Law,  they deserve to have their name as a nation cut off. (Deuteronomy 28:45)  Still, Jehovah does not desire the annihilation of his people, and he does not want to forsake them utterly.

The principles embodied in this powerful passage apply to Jehovah's worshipers today.  Jehovah is the Source of life, and he knows better than anyone  how we should use our lives.  (Psalm 36:9)  He has given us guidelines, not to rob us of enjoyment, but to benefit us. True Christians  respond by seeking to be instructed by Jehovah. (Micah 4:2) His directives protect our spirituality and our relationship with him, and they shield us from Satan's corrupting influence. When we appreciate the principles behind God's Laws, we see that Jehovah teaches us for our good. We realize  that "his commandments are not burdensome." And we will not be cut off. -1 John 2:17; 5:3.

Next time: 'Go Forth Out of Babylon!'

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