Tag: donkey

The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s feeding trough,
but Israel does not know;
my people do not understand. (Isaiah 1:3)

Here at Christmas time, we often see Nativity scenes, with Jesus in the manger.

But how many people recognize their Owner and Master in that manger?

How many, instead, are weighed down by their own sin, evildoers and depraved children, and they don’t even realize it?

How many have abandoned the Lord, despising him, and turning their backs on him? (4)

At this time of year, some even make token sacrifices, going to church, and putting a few coins or bills in the offering basket.

But God doesn’t accept any of these actions from those who take him so lightly. These things are useless offerings, detestable to him. They are a burden to him.

And he will not look at or listen to people who offer them and yet all the while refuse to recognize him as their Owner and Master. (11-15)

And so he says,

Come, let us settle this…

Though your sins are scarlet,
they will be as white as snow;
though they are crimson red,
they will be like wool. (18)

God indeed did settle this dispute between himself and us. He sent his Son to die on a cross and shed his blood for us. And by his blood, we are made clean. (1 John 1:7)

So let us recognize our Owner and Master. Two thousand years ago, the ox and the donkey did so. How much more should we?