The Pain of Rebellion

READ: Isaiah 1:1-20

Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted

Headaches are a pain. Medical researchers now believe most headache pain is caused by “triggers”—foods and other factors that affect the brain’s chemistry. You must eliminate the triggers to stop the ache.

Chapter 1 of Isaiah describes another painful problem. God condemned the people of Israel for their constant rebellion that stemmed from their corrupted thoughts. They desired anything and everything except God. They were so ungrateful and unruly that their behavior is described as worse than the ways of oxen and donkeys (v.3).

The problem of rebellion cost the people of Israel big-time. God’s judgment on them included letting their enemies defeat and steal from them, and in rejecting their prayers and offerings. What a pathetic situation—when your prayers to God aren’t heard and your situation isn’t changed for the better!

If we as believers are not careful, we may find ourselves in a similar condition. It’s easy to become rebellious, stubborn, or strong-willed in wanting our own way. We find it hard to submit to authority, accept the truth (especially when it hurts), and appreciate the good intentions of the person who is teaching or correcting us. Like ancient Israel, we may fail to submit to God’s authority (who He is), value His righteousness and truth (what He says), and accept His good intention behind His instructions (why He says it).

Since rebellion is triggered by corrupted thoughts and desires, the only way we can avoid it is to have our minds and hearts renewed (Romans 12:2). Our own thinking and desires must be transformed by the truth of Christ. Only then will we be willing to change our wrong conduct and avoid the danger of stubbornness.

With our minds renewed, we can distinguish truth from error and avoid rebellion. Only Christ’s transforming work can remove the pain of a corrupted mind and stubborn heart. —Chien Chong

REFLECTION

• In what ways am I rebellious?
• From today’s reading in Isaiah, what specific steps can I take to grow to be more teachable?

Rebellion takes root when we forsake truth.

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