But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Isaiah 28:13 (KJV)
The title of this discourse may come as a shock to so many people, and even sounds out of place to some others. But it is important that we all come along. A closer look at the preceding verse of Scripture reveals God’s nature as One who is intentional, meticulous and orderly! The prophet Isaiah remarks that the word of God is “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little”. This is suggestive that God’s word and doctrine are like building blocks for building the life of the believer (1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 3:20-22).
1 Corinthians 14:33 (The Passion Translation)
For God is the God of harmony, not confusion, as is the pattern in all the churches of God’s holy believers.
1 Peter 2:5 (AMPLIFIED)
You [believers], like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:20-22 (KJV)
and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
However, the prophet Isaiah makes a noteworthy but shocking remark that is very uncharacteristic of God’s nature and character! He remarks that those who will not willingly submit to the authority of the word of God will “fall backward, be broken, be snared and be taken”. This is suggestive that God has set a trap in the Scriptures for the “rebels”, and those who will not willingly submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of the word of God!
In the same vein, only those who willingly submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of the word of God will enter into the promises revealed therein, whilst not neglecting its warnings, admonitions and instructions. But the rebels at heart and those who rebel in conduct against the counsel of God revealed in the Scripture will fall backward, and be broken, and snared and taken captive by the enemy, Satan as he is a rebel himself.
But God’s desire is that you will be willing and obedient to His eternal counsel revealed in the Scriptures. This is so that you can partake of the good and the blessings therein (Isaiah 1:19-20).
Isaiah 1:19-20 (KJV)
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Are you truly submitted to the authority of the word of God or you’re a rebel at heart? Are the counsels revealed in the word of God and the instructions therein weighty on your heart? Have you made your will and desires stronger than the authority of the word of God in your life?
We should all ponder on these solemn and searching thoughts!
Peace.
