Tell Us Pleasant Things – Isaiah 30:9-11

For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the LORD’S instruction.
They say to the seers,
“See no more visions!”
and to the prophets,
“Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!”

Isaiah 30:9-11 (NIV)

God had entered into a covenant relationship with Israel. They were to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Ex. 19:5-6). God delivered them from Egyptian slavery, gave them instructions on how to live as His people, and brought them into a homeland of their own.

But Israel was a faithless people, ignoring God’s law and worshipping and serving the false gods of the peoples around them. God sent them many prophets, calling on them to repent and be faithful to the covenant relationship. While they sometimes responded favorably, by and large, they rejected the voice of the prophets.

And these words from God, through the prophet Isaiah, reflect the attitude of the people and are an indictment against them. They were not interested in what God had to say to them. Nor did they want to be told they were wrong. They just wanted to be told pleasant things, illusions.

It is sad to read this about ancient Israel. However, it is even sadder that many people today share the same attitude. How many today call themselves Christians, but are not interested in knowing what God wants from them? Who find churches that tell them what they want to hear—pleasant things? And who imagine a God who demands nothing from them? How is that any different from the Israel of Isaiah’s day? And why should they think their end will be any different?

Those who believe in the Lord Jesus are not called to an easy life. Instead, we are called to a life of discipleship. Of self-denial, taking up our cross, and following Jesus. Of listening to and obeying the voice of our Lord. But for those who do, the reward is great.

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