Deuteronomy 32:6, New International Version

“Is this the way you repay the LORD, you foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?”

Are you being offended when you read this scripture? Before your response, let me share my thoughts. Even if you are not, do not think that this word is not for you. It may not be a question for you, but a statement. A statement to guide you to ask another question, “Who is the LORD and how does one become a foolish and unwise person?” If you don’t know how to answer that, then it is time to search for the truth before you make any response and truly demonstrate that you are an unwise person.

If you are a believer, what would be your answer? I hope you would respond by praising the Lord with all your heart, whether you received forgiveness after your repentance by realizing your sin, or because you know that you are not found guilty! But if you have heard the good news and received the blessing of knowing Jesus, yet made a choice to reject Him and turn your back on Him, I want you to think about the response Peter made to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68, NIV) Once you have considered that, think through how foolish and unwise you may be.

What does it mean to reject and turn your back to Jesus? I don’t mean those who have no knowledge about who He is, or those who are unwise even before they learn about the truth. According to the Bible, they are those who are lost, and they are those who need us, a follower of Christ, to reach out and deliver the message of the love of Christ Jesus. The question God asked was to the Israelites, those who knew about Him and His truth. Those who had been under His protection and blessing, and yet made a choice to do what the Lord instructed not to. The Word of God for them was this: Stubborn and wicked people, ignorant and foolish, and ungrateful and rebellious generation.

Only the Lord and your honesty can help you answer this question, “Is this the way you repay the LORD, you foolish and unwise people? Is he not your Father, your Creator, who made you and formed you?” (Deuteronomy 32:6, NIV) I pray that you can answer it with an open heart, and that you come to sorrow instead of fury. I pray that you feel convicted instead of feeling offended. Remember, this is not only a personal matter, but it is also for a group of people. A group makes up a community and becomes a nation.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)