Isaiah 58:5 — Is it a fast that I have chosen A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord?
What do you mean Lord? I thought I was doing this Christian life correctly. I’ve read in the Bible how people repented in sackcloth and ashes. I’ve not only read about bowing your head down but have bowed my head before You. I have a list in my heart of the things that You are pleased with. I know You have been pleased with how I have engaged with You in the past. You have been pleased with my actions in repentance, worship and service. What do you mean that it is not acceptable this time?
How easily I fall into the rut of religiosity. I do my times of reading the Bible, worship and prayer in the same way every day. I have a specific place that I sit in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Everyone knows when I am worshipping on Sunday morning because they all know where I stand and what I do. God was pleased with me when I shouted the first time we sang “You Won’t Relent,” surely that’s what He wants from me every time we sing it. God healed that person when I prayed that certain way: that must be how He wants me to pray for everyone wanting healing. There must be a routine, a formula, for how I live my Christian life in a pleasing manner to God.
We no longer live under the law but under grace. Ritual has never been in the heart of God for us; relationship is what he has wanted from the beginning. Israel’s biblical victories have not been by formula but were accomplished in the way God desired in each incident. They had to listen to the Lord and respond to His direction. Obedience is better than ritual sacrifice. How often have I tried to accomplish something or see God move by re-enacting something, as if it was some magical incantation. How often have I substituted ritual for relationship and thought I was pleasing God?
Lord, forgive my laziness in our relationship. I know it takes time and effort for me to know You and yet I have fallen short. I admit that I can have a difficult time understanding You and Your ways because You are a dynamic, creative relational God. Your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts higher than my thoughts. And yet You want me to have your mind. Lord, increase my faith and help me to think, pray, worship and act in faith, for this is the only way I can please you.
[Also meditate on: Is. 55:6-11; Mark 7:1-14; Gal. 3:1-9; Heb. 8:7-13; 10:19-25; 11:6]
No comments:
Post a Comment