Isaiah's repeated calls to come and to listen to God imply a recurrent showering of our lives with God's truth. This past year my state has endured an extended drought that has left the ground rock-hard. When a thunderstorm recently dumped a quick, heavy rain, that hardness prevented much of the water from being absorbed. The plants would have benefited more from a slow, all-day soaker. Similarly, it is the slow, steady soaking of God's word that most effectively waters my life. If I go for long periods of time without drinking from God's word, I become increasingly hardened to his voice. Thus Isaiah warned: Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (v.6)
A friend of author Philip Yancey wanted to know if God would forgive him if he dissolved his fifteen-year marriage that had produced three children and no crushing problems. He wanted to ditch his wife and pursue his lover. Yancey didn't answer the question immediately, afraid that a "Yes" answer would only strengthen his friend's resolve to end his marriage. As Yancey thought and prayed, he finally answered:
Can God forgive you? Of course. You know the Bible. . . . [But] what we have to go through to commit sin distances us from God—we change in the very act of rebellion—and there is no guarantee we will ever come back. You ask me about forgiveness now, but will you even want it later, especially if it involves repentance?Sin packs the ground of our hearts, forming a hard pan between God and us. The longer our rebellion, the thicker that barrier becomes. Yancey's friend steeled his heart toward God and abandoned his family. As yet, there has been no evidence of any softening toward God. Only land that drinks in the rain often falling on it . . . receives the blessing of God. (Heb.6:7) It is the habit of drinking we must establish.
