“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:”
Isaiah 30:1
In the verses that follow our passage, God defines what He means by rebellion. He says in verse 9, “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD.” Rebellion in God’s eyes is simply about disobedience. It is about those who will not take His counsel, but keep running to the places that give counsel that satisfy their flesh and longings. They will not keep, neither do they like to hear the law of the Lo keep
In this context, rebellion is seeking that which is outside, or finding that which God can give through other means — simply because that means seem easier or faster. A rebellious spirit irks God. A rebellious spirit refuses to hear words of counsel, or be repentant. Instead, they think they’ve got everything covered in their own strength. They know what to do — or so they think — and feel they do not need God.
The root of rebellion is pride, and we know what happens to a heart lifted in pride. They will fall, and they run the risk of being crushed under God’s feet. Only a contrite heart and God’s mercy can bring them to repentance.
Charge: Ask the Holy Spirit for a repentant heart and not a rebellious one.
Further Study: Romans 2:1-11, Isaiah 63:10.
Stay blessed.
