Know Your Master

Know Your Master

Q: Fill in the blanks: “Even an _____ knows its owner, and a _____ recognizes its master’s care—but _____ doesn’t know its master.”

• a. alpaca, horse, a king
• b. ox, donkey, Israel
• c. opossum, horse, a mule

Jessica got a 10-month-old puppy from the animal shelter and named him Caspian after Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia series. This was a new name for the puppy, but he quickly learned to recognize his name and his new owner. He liked the rest of the family, but when Jessica arrived home from somewhere, he raced in circles and jumped up and down in excitement. He knew his owner, and there was a special place in his heart just for her.

Today’s question comes from the book of Isaiah. The books of prophecy take place at the same time as the events in 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. God sent these prophets to the kings with messages and warnings. This passage in Isaiah talks about the southern kingdom, Judah. God made a deal with his people, the Jews, that he would take care of them and bless them if they would follow him. But they turned away from him and served other gods. They didn’t listen to or follow God’s laws. Isaiah points out that even an animal recognizes its owner, but God’s own people no longer listened to his voice.

God wants us to listen to and obey him just as he desired that the Jews obey him. Children listen to their earthly father and trust him to provide for them and guide them; in the same way, we should listen to God, our heavenly Father, and trust him to know what’s best for us.

For You

Do you have a pet dog or cat? If so, they probably respond quickly to your voice. Try to respond to God with that same enthusiasm and devotion.

Answer: b

Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care—but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.   Isaiah 1:3

(The Whole Story: Isaiah 1:1-20)