I have loved reflecting on these verses as I memorize them. One thing that I noticed this morning is the connection between verse 2 and verse 1. The message about their rebellion and sins comes because of something they are doing - it is in a specific context. Isn't that true of all God's revelation to us - it comes in the context of a specific situation? That's why it is so personal. We have that consistent "logos" - the entire word of God - but have that personal "rhema" that he speaks into our specific situations. That's why a verse might jump out at you that you have missed for years. That's the beauty of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
But in this context, the word given to Isaiah to make clear to Israel is based on a specific context: their worship. God sees them seeking Him daily - these were people that didn't miss their quiet times! He sees them looking eager to know His ways, seeming to want Him to come near. They want just decisions. They seem to be doing everything right.
But that's the problem - it's an illusion. They "seem eager" - that phrase is repeated twice in one verse. "as if" is another key phrase. They are acting one way, but their actions are different. "As if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God" indicates that well, they are not what they seem.
So "For" - the connecting word of these two verses - for this reason, God sends a message about rebellion and sin.
What would this look like in my life?? "Rosa is having her quiet times every day; she's acting like she wants to know me and have me come near her. She really advocates for justice - why just look at her Facebook page! She's acting as if she does what is right. She is acting like she hasn't forsaken My commands." It's called hypocrisy, and God hates it.
It's easy to hide rebellion and sin - from others and from ourselves - behind religious activity. Thankfully God loves us enough to declare to us - loudly if necessary - our rebellion and sins.
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