What Happens When We Prioritize God? Isaiah 56-61

 What Happens When We Prioritize God?

Isaiah 58:13-14 (ESV)

13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,

from doing your pleasure on my holy day,

and call the Sabbath a delight

and the holy day of the LORD honorable;

if you honor it, not going your own ways,

or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;

14 then you shall take delight in the LORD,

and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;

I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

The world is rushing around to get the latest version of the latest gadget and misses the very thing they need.  We rush to get our Starbucks coffee so we can relax and enjoy, but then drink it as we drive in haste to another meeting.   We work day and night to accumulate so we have, but we can’t enjoy what we have because we work day and night.   The nation of Israel was not so far different than us.  They had come to place in their lives where the world had attracted them and the shinning things of life had mesmerize them.   When the world’s goods take priority in our lives we lose sight of what is important.   

In the above text the prophet Isaiah is speaking to Israel.  He is telling them what will happen if they prioritize God in their lives.    They were abusing their relationship with God.  God had told them not to work on the Sabbath and trust Him instead.  He wanted one day that they would be totally focused on Him.    He wanted the other days, as well, but the Sabbath was intentionally set aside.  They became so distracted by what the world could offer, they failed to obey God.  It should be noted that they had no technology, entertainment systems, or fast transportation.  Never-the-less they were still drawn away from God and His Word.  It is not “things” that change our priorities, it is our hearts.   In the above passage Isaiah tells them that God will do the following if they prioritize God in their lives:

1.  God will take delight in them.  Imagine having the God of the universe “delighting” in you!

2. God will make you ride on the heights of the universe.   Note Habakkuk 3:17-19

3.  God will supply the very substance you need to survive and maintain your legacy.   Remember, Jesus said He was the Bread of Life.   This is how God meets those needs. 

When we prioritize God in our lives, God prioritizes His care for our lives.