God's View of Holiness
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 66:2b-4
“This is the one I esteem:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word.
But whoever sacrifices a bull
is like one who kills a man,
and whoever offers a lamb,
like one who breaks a dog’s neck;
whoever makes a grain offering
is like one who presents pig’s blood,
and whoever burns memorial incense,
like one who worships an idol.
They have chosen their own ways,
and their souls delight in their abominations;
so I also will choose harsh treatment for them
and will bring upon them what they dread.
For when I called, no one answered,
when I spoke, no one listened.
They did evil in my sight
and chose what displeases me.”
OBSERVATION: God's values are often so different from our own. He describes in these verses what His view of holiness is. A contrite and humble heart is one that God actually esteems. He even defines at least part of what a contrite heart is; it is one that trembles at His Word. In other words, one that adjusts his/her life to conform with what the Word says and doesn't conform the Word to fit their own philosophy of life. Notice that those who engage in "religious activities", such as the required temple sacrifices, are severely castigated. God makes it clear that though they think they are being quite spiritual, their service to God is viewed by Him like the activities of heathens who worship idols. Why? Because they choose their own way and don't listen to Him even though they perform their "religious duties".
APPLICATION: I need to watch my own heart because any of us are capable of moving from a place of humility before God to "choosing our own way" even though we continue to serve in the church and be seen by others as "holy". We tend to rely on the esteem of other people more than we do on the esteem of the Lord. And I also need to not be impressed by the service of others who may perform well in church (great preaching, praying, etc.) but look to see if they are humble and contrite. That is what is impressive to God and that is what needs to be impressive to me as well. Those are the people worth emulating.
PRAYER: Father, keep me in tune with your values. If my heart gets proud, do whatever it takes to humble me, even if it is painful. I want to serve You well and remain close to You. Teach me to hear You clearly and conform my ways to Yours, my thoughts to Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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