Listen, O heavens! Pay attention, earth!
This is what the Lord says:
“The children I raised and cared for
have rebelled against me.
Even an ox knows its owner,
and a donkey recognizes its master’s care—
but Israel doesn’t know its master.
My people don’t recognize my care for them.”
-Isaiah 1:2-3
I have mentioned before that I used to take care of some unusual pets. Newts were one of my favorite pets in high school and college. I’m not really sure why—maybe I was fascinated by something that lives both in and out of water.
I noticed something interesting about these little animals. They are probably not very smart, but even they learned to associate people with food. If one noticed me near the aquarium, it would try to swim to me (kind of the same way fish do). It seems that almost all pets learn who takes care of them. Unfortunately, sometimes our pets are smarter than we are.
God used this type of analogy to confront His people in the Book of Isaiah. He was accusing them of having less loyalty (and sense) than an ox or a mule. God had done so much for His people, yet they were unfaithful to Him. They had betrayed and forgotten Him. They were pursuing their own pleasures and agendas.
Have you also forgotten God? You are a very blessed person if you are able to read this devotional right now. Reading online means that you have your own computer, you have the money to rent one, or you are blessed with a job with computers in the office. It also means that you can read a Christian devotional without fear of persecution. Many people around the world do not have the financial and spiritual blessings that you are enjoying right now. God has been good to you–are you thankful and faithful to Him?
God has blessed you. Be faithful to Him and make your life a blessing to Him.
hi kuya kevin! funny coz my crush’s name is kevin and i also call him kuya kevin.
anyway, about your blog, i read one blog the other day in myspace (stephen speaks’s page) and the writer was asking when is enough really enough. he also mentioned about being thankful and grateful for the things that we have.
admittedly, i sometimes do not know when is enough, enough. i sometimes forget to thank God for what i have; rather, i ask for more.
there are 2 songs i like listening to. TAKE ME OUT OF THE DARK by Gary Valenciano and WARRIOR IS A CHILD–i think Gary also sang it but was not his original. anyway, i often cry when i listen to it. because everytime i feel i’m well off, i forget Him. then find myself running to Him, calling on Him when i want something–something more, or something back or something else. i cry because i realize how ungrateful i have become. how far i have gone away from Him–from what He would want me to be.
it was nice to read your blog. (^^,)
Thanks for reading 🙂
Great stuff Kevin! God’s using you to reach people… I’m one of them. The timing of the verse today and the analogy you presented was super. I felt like it was just for me. Godbless you my brother! say hi to reggie for me.
Leo from China and Biola!
Leo,
Great to hear from you!! Blessings to you always!
Hi! timely reminder for me. it remind me of how faithful god to me. thanks for sharing. god bless!
there are just things in life that we often forget to thank God for. Even when you are in times of troubles you forgot to look the good side of life..i’m happy to read this thanks may God continue to use you