A few months ago I was riding in a taxi in a different country. We were on the highway, heading to the airport to fly home. As with many taxi drivers, this one sped up as we travelled, eager to deliver us and pick up his next fare.

Suddenly, a voice came through a speaker: “You are exceeding the speed limit.” Though this had no effect on the taxi driver, it certainly startled us and made us very aware of how fast we were travelling. The warning continued, every minute or two, until we slowed down as we approached the airport. Once the taxi was back under the speed limit, the warnings stopped.

Because I was reading through some of the minor prophets at that time, I couldn’t help but think of all the warnings God gave his people, warnings they usually ignored as they continued with their behaviour.

Yet the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and every seer, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commandments and my statutes, in accordance with all the law that I commanded your ancestors and that I sent to you by my servants the prophets.” 2 Kings 17:13

God could not have been any clearer as he tried to bring them back on His path of life yet just like that taxi driver, they kept breaking God’s laws in many ways.

The Israelites are not alone in ignoring God’s warnings. In my own life, God has graciously sent warnings and reminders for me to return to him when I have disobeyed or walked on a different path. Through friends, Scripture and even nature, he speaks to me and corrects me. I would love to say I quickly obey, however I am often like the Israelites and the taxi driver, ignoring the warnings and pressing on in my own way, no matter what the costs.

LORD, I pray that my ears, eyes and heart will be open to your warnings. May I hear your voice, and turn back to you. May I see your face and desire to be journeying with you and towards you again. May the desires of my heart be in line with yours once again. May I accept your correction with grace, understanding the deep love with which it is given.

By Linda Wolfe, Glen Acres Baptist Church, Waterloo