"I told you so," a bitter sting, Echoes of choices, futures it can't bring. Isaiah's words, a warning call, Judah's pride led to a fall. Exile's sorrow, a heavy price, For turning deaf to God's advice. Trust and obey, the simple plea, A path to freedom, wild and free. We think we're righteous, by the book, Ignoring whispers, a hollow look. Commandments kept, in shallow guise, While true devotion slowly dies. But faith's true test, is not in vain, Love guides our hearts to life again. So let us heed the lessons told, And seek His grace, more precious than gold. When will we listen, to the words of old? Peace like a river, a story to be told. Righteousness flowing, like waves of the sea, When will we listen, and finally be free? Descendants like sand, a countless array, When will we listen, and walk in His way? Names never cut off, a promise so grand, When will we listen, and take His hand? Trusting God, a path less trod, Self-reliance, the world's applaud. Independent hearts, a modern creed, Yet love's true call, a greater need. Beyond the ten, a deeper call, To love as Christ, embracing all. A world of strife, where love's defied, In diversity, where hearts divide. Love accepts, though views may stray, In gentle grace, it lights the way. It builds bridges, tears down walls, And answers kindness when hatred calls. It heals the wounds, and comforts pain, A beacon of hope, that will remain. So let us strive, with hearts sincere, To love as Christ, and conquer fear. When will we listen, to the words of old? Peace like a river, a story to be told. Righteousness flowing, like waves of the sea, When will we listen, and finally be free? Descendants like sand, a countless array, When will we listen, and walk in His way? Names never cut off, a promise so grand, When will we listen, and take His hand? Centurion's servant, healed with grace, Syrophoenician's daughter, found her place. Samaritan leper, cleansed and free, Love's embrace for all to see. Sinners gathered, hearts aflame, Zacchaeus changed, no longer the same. Jesus dined, without pretense, Love knows no bounds, no recompense. Not just the lovable, but all in need, Love plants a seed, to intercede. Unity's strength, a fortress tall, Love binds us close, lest we should fall. The Savior prayed, with fervent plea, That we may be one, eternally. So let love's path, our journey start, And heal the world, with open heart. When will we listen, to the words of old? Peace like a river, a story to be told. Righteousness flowing, like waves of the sea, When will we listen, and finally be free? Descendants like sand, a countless array, When will we listen, and walk in His way? Names never cut off, a promise so grand, When will we listen, and take His hand? Isaiah 48 18-19 Lord, You keep trying to tell us how to live a happy fulfilling life, and we keep closing our ears to Your message. Open our ears so that we will be better àble to welcome Your son. In Jesus name, Amen. When will we listen