Let the Lord speak
This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted… Isaiah 66:1-3 In this last chapter of the Book of Isaiah, the prophet was pleading to the people to be sensitive to God’s leading and not just be involved with religious rituals. History is replete with examples of people failing to heed God’s instructions found in His Word. They would rather substitute religious observances over having a personal relationship with God. From the text, Isaiah reminded the people to be in awe before their Creator and realize that God chooses to speak to those that believe Him and placed their trust in Him. Moses trembled when God spoke to Him. “Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look” (Acts 7:32). When Peter was confronted by the Lord Jesus Christ of His power when He commanded him and some of the disciples to go back to the water when they returned empty-handed after an all-night fishing, Peter realized who Jesus was then he, “fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8). The Israelites were planning to build God a temple to show their righteousness before Him. Yet, they continued to live in their sinfulness and they would rather go through elaborate rituals that included sacrifice instead of repenting of their sins. God sees the heart and He is seeking those “who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my [His] word.” He wants us to listen to His word with anticipation that He will speak to us in such a way that life transformation takes place. “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12). As you study the Word of God with an expectation that the Holy Spirit will help you understand, let His word impact your life. Let Him create a sense of awe and reverence in your heart so that you will grow in your relationship with Him. He wants to speak to us for “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
