Being ignored or overlooked by others is certainly an unpleasant experience. On the one hand, there is pent-up anger, but on the other, there is a sense of shame that continues to loom over you. Ultimately, ‘ignored’ is a word that nobody ever wants to hear. When this happens, a person’s existence is no longer valued or expected. 

Unfortunately, we too often ignore God. We feel we can do everything on our own without relying closely on Him; our worship and devotion to Him are merely a formality. This is precisely what happened to the Israelites, as described in today’s reading. They committed idolatry by worshipping other gods; moreover, they paid no heed whatsoever to God’s prohibitions. Israel took refuge in its status as God’s chosen people, without realising that behind that election lay a responsibility which Israel was bound to fulfil. The Lord’s call went unheeded; instead, they did what was evil in the Lord’s sight (v. 12). 

Yet if Israel were to turn back to God at once and cease to ignore Him, God would always offer His hope. God restores a dark past through a glorious future. God’s promise of faithfulness serves as a guide in our lives. Unfortunately, we more often behave like Israel, who ignored Him. We no longer heed His commands; what He disapproves of has become our daily practice. We are more afraid of being left behind by a world that offers all manner of power and wealth than we are of obeying God’s commandments. Unwittingly, we choose what is fleeting over the Lord’s eternal faithfulness. So turn away from that misguided path and do not ignore Him.