The Cost of Ignoring God's Voice

In Isaiah 66:4, we read a sobering proclamation from God: "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not." This verse encapsulates the tragic consequences of rejecting God's call and turning a deaf ear to His voice.

The context of this verse serves as a warning to a people who have turned away from God. The imagery here is powerful: God, in His sovereignty, declares that He will choose their delusions and bring their fears upon them. This raises a critical question we must ponder: what does it mean for God to choose our delusions? It suggests that when we refuse to hear God's truth, He allows us to follow our misguided paths, blinded by our own desires. The delusions referred to are the false beliefs and the idolatries that arise when humanity turns away from the Creator.

Delusions can take many forms in our lives. They can manifest as our ambitions, desires, and the things we hold dear, which ultimately distract us from seeking God's kingdom. When we ignore His voice, we set ourselves on a collision course with fear. Delusions do not satisfy our soul's deepest longings but rather lead us into anxiety and despair. God, in His infinite wisdom, desires to guide us onto paths of righteousness, but when we choose our own way, we encounter the dark valleys of our own making.

The latter part of the verse reinforces the idea that our response to God's call matters greatly. "When I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear." These words evoke a sense of a broken relationship—a relationship where one party reaches out, but the other is unresponsive. God calls us not out of a need for companionship but out of profound love. He seeks communion with us and desires to lead us into fullness of life. When we neglect to answer His call, we are effectively closing the door on His voice, shutting ourselves off from His guidance and wisdom.

God's call is not merely an invitation. It is a proclamation of His intention to engage with us, to lead us into truth, and to shelter us from the storm of life. In responding to His voice, we embrace His will, aligning our hearts with His desires. But when we ignore Him, we are left to face the dire consequences of our choices—many of which are rooted in the evil that lies in opposition to God’s character.

The verse closes with the affirmation that the people chose evil before His eyes, showing a deliberate decision to pursue things that God does not delight in. This choice reflects the human condition—a tendency to stray from the path of righteousness, led by self-interest and sin. It reminds us that God has given us the gift of free will, allowing us to choose our paths. However, each choice carries weighty repercussions, shaping our character and our destinies.

As we meditate on this passage, we are urged to examine our lives carefully. Are there areas where we have chosen delusions over God’s truth? Are we allowing fear to dictate our actions rather than faith? Let us take this moment to recommit to listening actively and responding diligently to God's call. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate the dark places of our hearts where we have been complacent.

In conclusion, Isaiah 66:4 serves not only as a warning but also as an invitation to repentance and renewal. Choosing to listen to God opens the door to peace and fulfillment, nourishing our souls with His steadfast love. Today, let us resolve to answer His call with eager hearts, turning away from delusions and toward the truth that revives and redeems.

Artwork for Isaiah 66:4

Isaiah 66:4 - "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not."

Isaiah 66:4 [4]I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

"I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not." - Isaiah 66:4

Isaiah 66:1

Isaiah 66:1-2

Isaiah 66:1-2

Isaiah 66:21 - "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:16 - "For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many."

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.

Isaiah 66:6 - "A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies."

Isaiah 66:13 - "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."

Isaiah 66:7 - "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child."

Isaiah 66:15 - "For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire."

Isaiah 66:18 - "For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory."

Isaiah 66:10 - "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:"

Isaiah 66:13 - "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."

"And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 66:21

Isaiah 66:9 - "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God."

Isaiah 66:17 - "They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD."

Isaiah 66:1 - "Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?"

"For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees." - Isaiah 66:12

Psalms 66:4 - "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah."

Isaiah 66:22 - "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain."

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face. Any human images should appear as ancient Israel. .

Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face. Any human images should appear middle eastern.