Isaiah 58:2 — Yet they seek Me daily, And delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness, And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; They take delight in approaching God.
Well, this list seems nice. It looks like a check-list for successful Christian existence. How does this fit with something to repent of? The problem is that it is a check-list. Its notches in someone’s spiritual gun-belt. Its the sense of getting spiritual “Brownie points” with God.
There is nothing I can do to earn God’s favour. I will fall into the trap of demanding from God as I believe He owes me for the way I live. I will fall into the pit of judgement when I start comparing my walk before God with that of others. The justice I seek is not God’s but my own. My self-righteousness disconnects me from the truth and magnitude of God’s grace and mercy towards me and others.
The Orthodox Jewish Bible translates the last part of this verse as, “they seem eager for kirvat Elohim (getting close to G-d, revival).” How long have I cried out to God for revival? How many prayers have been prayed; songs of worship have been sung; revivals have been studied; and fasts have been undertaken, and yet I still have not seen revival? For who’s sake do I seek revival? Is this for God’s glory or my sense of accomplishment? Will a revival prove something about my walk with God or will it simply reveal God?
Lord, forgive my self-righteousness and pride. Remove all deception from my heart that would allow me a sense of entitlement and demand. Let me not compare myself with others on this earth but reveal Yourself to me that I might know true humility.
[Also meditate on: 2 Chron. 7:14; Prov. 11:2, 16:18; Dan. 4:34-37; Col. 2:16-19; 1 John 2:15-17]
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