Day 15-Willing & Obedient
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”—Isaiah 1:18–20 (NKJV)
Summary
As we move deeper into these 31 days of consecration, God places a choice before us. Not condemnation. Not rejection. An invitation. “Come now,” He says. “Let us reason together.” Consecration is God inviting us into honest conversation about our hearts, our obedience, and our future. No matter how stained our past may feel, God’s desire is restoration, and His promise is goodness for those who are willing and obedient.
Insight for Today
Isaiah spoke these words during a time when God’s people were outwardly religious but inwardly resistant. Yet God did not begin with judgment. He began with relationship. He invited them closer. This is the heart of consecration. God draws us near before He calls us higher. He invites reflection, repentance, and realignment—not to shame us, but to restore us. God is not afraid of our past. He is inviting us into a conversation that leads to cleansing and renewal.
Going Deeper
Scarlet and crimson were dyes that were nearly impossible to remove. God intentionally used this imagery to show His power to cleanse completely. What feels permanent to us is not permanent to Him. What seems deeply embedded can be washed clean. Consecration allows God to cleanse not only our actions, but our identity. No stain is too deep for grace. No failure is beyond redemption. No past disqualifies a surrendered heart.
Willing and Obedient
God does not say, “If you are perfect.” He says, “If you are willing and obedient.” Willing speaks to the posture of the heart. Obedient speaks to the direction of our steps. Consecration requires both. A willing heart says, “God, I want Your way.” Obedient steps say, “I will follow You even when it costs me comfort or familiarity.” This is where preparation for purpose happens. Willingness opens the door. Obedience walks through it.
The Good of the Land
This promise speaks to more than material blessing. It points to a life of peace, provision, fruitfulness, clarity, and fulfillment. God desires goodness for His people, but goodness flows through alignment, not rebellion. Consecration is not restriction. It is the pathway to abundance.
A Loving Warning
God also speaks honestly about refusal and rebellion. This is not a threat but a truth. Disobedience removes us from the protection of God’s ways. Consecration protects us. Obedience positions us. Alignment preserves us.
Pointing to Jesus
Jesus fulfills this promise completely. Through Him, scarlet sins become white as snow. Through Him, mercy meets rebellion and obedience becomes possible through grace. Jesus does not merely invite us to reason with God; He makes us new.
Prayer
Lord, I come to You honestly today. Thank You that You invite me near instead of pushing me away. Cleanse me where I need cleansing. Soften my heart where I have been resistant. Give me a willing heart and obedient steps. Prepare me to walk fully in the purpose You have for this new year. Amen.
Reflection
Where is God asking for your willingness today, and what step of obedience might follow?
Continue the Journey
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