Isaiah 5: 13
Therefore, My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; and honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst.
Lack of knowledge leads to slavery, starvation and thirst. The people were led away in exile from the land God gave them to be slaves to others and all because of a lack of knowledge. What knowledge did they lack? Were they complete idiots or was it something specific?
We know from history that every time the Israelites turned away from God and His Word, tragedy befell them. They may have been some of the most worldly wise people ever but only the Word from God, the Word of God was able to save them from bondage, famine and unquenchable thirst. Just think of the Israelites in their exodus from Egypt. They would have starved, they could not find water but each time the Word of the Lord came to Moses and the people were spared. What if they had inquired of the Lord daily instead of only when the situation was dire? Maybe they could have walked on the water of the Red Sea instead of waiting as the Egyptians drew closer and closer. God gave them manna each morning and opened rocks, literally rocks, to bring forth water to quench their thirst.
Of course the real importance of this is verse is the question, “How similar are we to these Old Testament saints who died for lack of knowledge?” (Hosea 4: 6). I fear that we are all too similar. Sure, our prisons are different, but perhaps even more perilous than theirs because we can never leave ours behind. The chains which bind us are within us. Romans 12: 2 tells us to be transformed through the renewal of our minds. It is the Word of the Lord renewing our minds, filling us with the knowledge of His ways which sets us free. How many of us truly dedicate ourselves to God’s Word? Do we scoff at the ignorance of the people in the Old Testament but are guilty of the same mistakes? Do we truly believe that God’s Word has any power? Or are we secretly doubters? If not doubters, are we just lazy? Perhaps we are deceived by busyness. If there is not time enough in the day for God’s Word then how is there time for anything? We are so busy with the business of life that we live a parched, barren existence. True life can only be found in the Word. I honestly believe this to be true. Do you? Do you really?
Test me in this. Give me 30 days of your life and let’s find out once and for all if this stuff is true or a bunch of bunk. For 30 days, beginning today, read your Bible everyday. It is so easy these days with smart phones and tablets. You can read during your lunch hour at work right from your phone. Do this. Start in the first chapter of Mathew and begin reading. Then read one proverb each day. That’s it – one proverb and as much of the New Testament as you want or have time for. Do this with me for one month. What do you honestly think your life will look like in 30 days if you rise to my challenge and give God this time? Will you write to me today and tell me you’re in? Let’s find out if this stuff works. Be bold.
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