Call in the New TestamentThe Beginning of a Call
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Called Before BirthIsaiah 7:10-15 New International Version10 Again, the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you[a] a sign: The virgin[b] will conceive and give birth to a son, and[c] will call him Immanuel.[d] 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, For Reflection
The prophet sees what others do not see. Ahaz saw in the people what the people could not see in themselves. What Ahaz saw was not the vagaries of governance or societal norms. Ahaz saw beyond the temporal into the eternal background expectancies of their divine heritage. Judeans tested God by assuming their privileged religious status and taking God for granted.
God broods as Judah throws of their allegiance to God. It is not their refusal to practice the rituals of sacrifice. What bothers God is their growing self-determination that displaces their divine heritage. Their deepening darkness is linked to their declining reliance upon God. They are the prodigal sons and daughters.
God reacts not with a vengeance but with love. God provides a sign in stark contrast to human sin. God will send God's son and a sign of God's love and overture to return to the household of God.
PrayPray, so that you will recognize the subtle ways you yield to your ego's call for reliance on our "superior culture" and neglect the source of our becomings. Pray, and recognize that no one can be wrong with God and right with humankind.
Forward to a friend | 
