Go, and say to this people, “Listen carefully, but do not understand; watch closely, but learn nothing.” — Isaiah 6:9

This is truly one of the strangest prophesies in the scriptures. It’s a prophecy that tells the people they’re not going to get it. Listen, but you won’t understand; watch, but don’t bother learning anything because you’re not going to.

Isaiah’s first assignment came with a stark reality. The prophecy itself predicted the disobedience of the people. He prophesied their disobedience and sure enough that’s just what they did. This kind of prophecy is hard on the prophet. It’s the same heartbreak felt by every prophet, pastor, parent, or friend who watches hearts harden against truth. But God didn’t call Isaiah to change minds; He called him to be faithful. This is the prophet’s burden — to deliver a message that is totally ignored.

The prophet’s burden is obedience without outcome — his obedience. To speak truth not for applause but out of love — even when words fall on deaf ears. Our culture may no longer stone prophets, but it scrolls past them just as quickly. No matter, God still sends them. He sends you.

The word of God still cuts through the static — alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Some will not understand, but a few will. And those few are worth every tear, every silence, every lonely act of courage. So, speak — even when no one seems to hear. Speak with humility, love, and hope. Speak because the truth is alive, and it never returns empty.

Week 2 — Pawn in the Game

Words and Music by John Fischer

Two hundred years ago

When our nation was starting to grow

Life, liberty, and happiness

Were the things we wanted to know

But happiness became the king

And took over everything

And in pursuing happiness

We lost the very thing that would make us blessed

We lost the Lord

No wonder we’re so bored

We’re just a pawn in the game

The West is not to be

In the book of prophecy

We sold our crown to the pleasure clown

For an inexpensive fee

And it isn’t very far

From a plastic credit card

To a number on your head before you can be fed a loaf of bread

Keep looking to the east

And watching for the beast

We’re just a pawn in the game

(What a shame)

Many years from now

I can hear them saying how

America came and America went

Turned under by the plow

While other nations stand

With orders in their hands

To turn the course of time under the force of the evil one’s command

We gave away the right

To be a nation of the light

Now we’re a pawn in the game

(What a shame)

Keep looking to the east

And watching for the beast

We’re just a pawn in the game

(What a shame)

And nobody can afford

To not be reaching for the Lord

We’re just a pawn in the game

We’re just a pawn in the game

(Pawn in the game what a shame)

(Pawn in the game what a shame)

(Pawn in the game what a shame)

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To the Catch Community,

We live in uncertain times. The prophet’s job is to remind God’s people: God is right on time. For the next 30 days, the Catch is running “Eyes Wide Open” — a daily call to watch, listen and act. Our “Eyes Wide Open” booklet in support of each day’s Catch article, including a short Scripture, a brief reflection and a practical step, is available here for download. Will you join us? CLICK HERE to download your booklet. Let’s be the Church that’s awake — not afraid, but ready.

Here’s is today’s entry. Don’t miss this opportunity to interact with the study.

Devotional:
Isaiah was sent to a people who didn’t want to hear him. Sound familiar? Today’s culture tunes out truth with ease. But God still sends messengers. The burden of the prophet is this: speak even when they won’t listen. Not with pride, but with grief and grace. Faithfulness is not measured by applause — but by obedience. Speak the truth, and let God handle the results.

Prayer Prompt:
Lord, give me strength to speak truth, even when it’s hard.

Action Step:
Pray for courage and then speak one loving, difficult truth to someone who needs it.

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