Reading: Isaiah 64-66
He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sac- rificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not (Is. 66:3-4).
Today’s reading shows us that Isaiah had reached the end of his patience with his countrymen. God’s message was clear and understandable to his ears, but they’d somehow managed to miss the point entirely. On a national scale, nothing had changed, and nothing was going to change (Is. 65:2). The southern king- dom of Judah would fall to her enemies just as had the northern kingdom of Israel. God’s people had turned their backs on Him, and they would be judged accordingly. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before Mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not (65:12).
Isaiah made one last attempt to explain why that would happen. His intended audience had narrowed down from all Judeans to only those who were still trying (however tentatively) to live within the will of God. To these people, Isaiah offered explanation, support, and, most importantly, hope. Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed (66:5).
The Temple at Jerusalem was a busy place, but it was busy for all the wrong reasons. People went about their business as they saw fit, using sacrifices and proffering worship to God as a means of purchasing the right to continue living as they chose. Does that sound familiar? It should. Many self-professed Christians today claim that God’s redeeming grace means they are free to live and act however they choose. They ignore the dictates of God’s Word with no guilt or fear of consequences, believing that their public worship and profession that they have been saved in Jesus is all that is required to clear their slate with God permanently. Anyone who attempts to share the fullness of God’s Word with them is summarily dismissed, often with accusations of being a judgmental and legalistic person who doesn’t understand the love of Christ.
But just because a belief is in the minority doesn’t make it wrong. Christ’s teachings are clear. Claiming to know Him isn’t enough;He must know us in return. Only through complete surrender to Him will we truly come to know Him and find the forgiveness and redemption we seek. And once we find it, once we enter into the body of Christ and are reformed in His love, we’ll understand that true freedom comes from living for Him.
Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity (Matt. 7:22-23).
Thought for Today: Active faith is not just another extra-curricular activity.
Christ Revealed: As the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Is. 65:17; 66:22; comp. John 1:1-3; II Pet. 3:13). As the One whose glory will be declared among the nations (Is. 66:18-19; Rev. 5:12-13).
Word Studies: 64:3 terrible = awesome, revered greatly, greatly to be feared; 64:11 are laid waste = have been destroyed; 65:14 howl for vexation of spirit = cry out in misery; 66:6 voice = sound.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Official: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (AR)• Country: Zambia (14,638,505) Southern Africa • Major Languages: Bembe, Nyanja, Tonga • Religious Freedom • 75.3% Protestant; 20.2% Roman Catholic; 2.7% Other (Muslim Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai); 1.8% None • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God in prayer and with singing, for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Optional Readings:I Peter 3