Listen diligently to me and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live…Isaiah 55:2b-3a (ESV)
A major question for all of us is, “who do I report to?” We need to know if there is a final authority, and if so, what that final authority says. Our culture has tried to break the perceived bonds of God’s order in search of freedom. We try to convince ourselves that there is no final word above our own. We hear ourselves saying it in many ways: Every person is his own standard.
The truth is that there is a final authority, and we all do–and shall continue to–report to him. He is the author of life and thus has the authority to rule life. He created all things and at great cost to himself redeemed his creation after it was infected by rebellion. He has not left us to speculate as to what he thinks. He has spoken. Clearly. His word is recognized in our conscience, reflected in creation, revealed in Scripture, and realized in Jesus the living Word. It is infused with such good news that we have a difficult time hearing it. His thoughts are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth. He is good beyond description and what he says reflects that goodness. We tend to miss it because we are expecting to hear something much less.
It is both safe and satisfying to submit our thoughts, words, and deeds to his word. It brings life and satisfaction. He has done everything necessary to bless us according to his goodness. When we are not enjoying such blessing, we should return to his thoughts by listening to his word. Think of it. If the majestic Lord of the universe has spoken, we should make it the highest priority to hear what he says. Life depends upon it.