As a Bible class teacher, I’ve often thought how terrible it would be to stand up in front of a classroom of Bible students and have no one pay attention — to talk and have no one listen, to give instructions regarding Bible study assignments, and the students ignore them.
None of us enjoys being ignored do we? If we are in a conversation with a friend, it hurts to have our words disregarded. If we are in a store looking for help, it is irritating to be ignored by the clerks. When we are struggling with a problem, it is painful when no one offers to help.
Imagine, then, how it must grieve God when we ignore Him (cf. Genesis 6:5-6; Isaiah 63:7-10; Psalm 78:40). Think of how His heart of love must break when we act as if He is not there (Deuteronomy 32:7-21). Or consider how He must feel when His guidelines contained in His book are ignored (Jeremiah 5:16-19; Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6).
Let us be careful not to ignore God. In ways large and small, let us keep Him in our thoughts moment by moment (Joshua 22:5). We can do this by reading and studying the inspired writings He has given us (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) — by spending time in prayer (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28) — by thinking about His presence (Psalm 63:1-8) — by serving others in His name (Matthew 25:34-40).
Along with the Psalmist, may we be able to say, “My soul follows close behind You” (Psalm 63:8).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
None of us enjoys being ignored do we? If we are in a conversation with a friend, it hurts to have our words disregarded. If we are in a store looking for help, it is irritating to be ignored by the clerks. When we are struggling with a problem, it is painful when no one offers to help.
Imagine, then, how it must grieve God when we ignore Him (cf. Genesis 6:5-6; Isaiah 63:7-10; Psalm 78:40). Think of how His heart of love must break when we act as if He is not there (Deuteronomy 32:7-21). Or consider how He must feel when His guidelines contained in His book are ignored (Jeremiah 5:16-19; Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6).Let us be careful not to ignore God. In ways large and small, let us keep Him in our thoughts moment by moment (Joshua 22:5). We can do this by reading and studying the inspired writings He has given us (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) — by spending time in prayer (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28) — by thinking about His presence (Psalm 63:1-8) — by serving others in His name (Matthew 25:34-40).
Along with the Psalmist, may we be able to say, “My soul follows close behind You” (Psalm 63:8).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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