The Bible contains instances when God called and we did not answer. By now, you know what God will do in that situation. He will refuse to answer when we call. You have to wonder what percentage of our prayers fall on the back of God’s head. He turns away from us, and all we have is His occiput.
But that is not all. In Isaiah 66.4, we see a decree of what would happen anytime we refuse to respond to God’s call. “So will I choose their delusions, and bring their fears on them. Because when I called, no one answered, and when I spoke, they did not hear. But they did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.”
There is no way you cannot love this God who makes His will plain so that we can easily access all His promises. Unlike the gods who mutter and murmur, God does not leave us in the dark about His will. I need to dwell on that a bit because when I started to write, I was not sure what it meant to answer God.
But here, we see God explaining Himself. When God wanted us, we did not come. He spoke, and we refused to listen. As a result, we could only do evil before God’s eyes. Finally, anytime we arrived at a crossroads in our relationship with God, we chose the wrong road. Thank you, Father, for making it plain.
Rebellion When God Called
Unlike King David, we have not listened to, nor hidden the word of God in our hearts. How can we keep from doing evil before God? David understood that the only way to keep from sin is by taking heed according to the word of God. And that is the word we refused to listen to. The result is certain – sin and confusion.
Refusing to answer God’s call was viewed by Him as rebellion, which the Bible refers to as witchcraft. Ouch! So, do not let it surprise you that the punishment is so harsh. Only those who answered God’s call can enjoy His face and favor.
The punishment in Isaiah 65.12 is even worse. “Therefore, I will number you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter. Because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear. But did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.”
The sin is the same; we did not hear and so had no chance to obey. How can you follow a command about which you are ignorant? David knew it was impossible, so He hid God’s word in his heart. Why? So that he might not sin against God. But here, the punishment is worse. He will number us for the sword and cause us to bow down to the slaughter. We failed to choose what delighted Him, so He would do what does not give us delight.
The Boy Samuel Answered
May God have mercy on us and help us to respond whenever God calls. We shall be like the boy Samuel, in the mighty name of Jesus. From a young age – that may be impossible for those of us who came to Christ as adults – Samuel recognized the voice of God.
Of course, it took God and Eli three instances before that happened. And it might take a few more “Heaven Readiness” posts before it happens for us. I believe that it will, if we do not give up. As soon as Samuel knew whose voice it was, anytime God called, Samuel answered with, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”
How that must have gladdened God’s heart. Little wonder then that God chose Prophet Samuel to anoint and appoint the first king in Israel. He also did other marvelous things through Samuel, which are recorded in 1 Samuel 3 ff. May we listen when God calls. Amen.
Maranatha!
