“Walk in all the ways I command you, so that you may prosper.”

As a child, my mother often said “If you would only listen to me when I give you advice you would be much happier. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.” Of course as a child, probably age 5 and up, I was determined to be my own person and make my own decisions. Inevitably, I would make a mistake and wished I had taken my mom’s advice.

God’s words to the people of Israel are similar. Unfortunately, they too chose not to listen but decide to make their own decisions. They continually turned their backs to the one person who could lead them into prosperity. Sound familiar! We are all quite guilty at times of turning our backs and trying to make it on our own. We think we have all the answers and don’t need any direction or advice. Stiff necked people!

Fortunately for me my mom was always there to wipe away my tears of frustration or pain after my unsuccessful quests for independence. She would comfort me and continue to love me despite not listening to her words of wisdom and experience. Fortunately for us our God continues to love us despite turning our ears and hearts from his words of advice and direction.