At the convocation ceremony of the university, a young lady in her early twenties kept returning to the stage to receive warm handshakes from the Chancellor of the university as she not only bagged a first class (honours) degree, but had five prizes in addition. Her father, who was at the daughter’s graduation ceremony, was elated and, for months, did not stop showing his friends and associates how much his daughter made him proud.
The Lord, speaking through Isaiah (Isaiah 1), was heart-broken as he laments the condition of His children who had turned away from Him. Like the father of the girl who won many prizes, God placed first class facilities at our disposal but we ended up presenting Him with what has been referred to as a consolation prize, or even a pass degree. Some even ‘graduated’ prematurely mid-stream through rustication! There was the case of a father whose daughter was advised to withdraw from the university after the first year. She kept the information from the parents, remained within the campus, swatting with different students each session and making her father provide the ‘school fees’ and upkeep allowances for three years. The father almost had a heart-attack when, on visiting the university to enquire on his daughter’s NYSC postings, the truth hit him hard.
Isaiah, in 1: 2 and 3, had to report His recalcitrant children to the heavens and the earth and adjudged then as less responsive to His love and care than what we get from our domestic animals. Through Jeremiah (2:1 – 3:10) God also had to state His case against His children. In the New Testament, the story is not different. The parable of the Tenants (Matt. 21:33 – 46) shows the same frustration on the part of God in steadying His people on the right track. Must God continue to be a frustrated Father of ours? When will He find that faithful remnant He desires to use to bless His world?
Our Lord is desirous to see each of us win prizes on the Day of Judgment. He will love to say ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’. Please do not deny Him that joy.
Have a blessed year as you determine to live each day to His delight!
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
- Igein Isemede.