A Christian is sometimes identified as someone ‘who goes to church’. In fact, many people go to church precisely to identify themselves as Christians when there is nothing else in their lives that would suggest this identity. This is like a doctor who loves to wear the badge and carry the stethoscope but refuses to treat patients. This was how it was with Isaiah’s people. They loved to wear the badge that said they were a people dedicated to God’s mission. The ‘badge’ was their participation in the temple rituals. Ironically, the sacrifices that they offered as part of this ritual represented the giving over of one’s life to God. The people loved to make the gesture but were reticent to fulfil in reality what the gesture symbolised. Instead, they lived for themselves, often at the expense of those who needed their help and protection. Isaiah’s prophecy here both disturbs me and comforts me. It disturbs me to the extent that I have lived far too selfishly neglecting those that God has wanted me to love while continuing to make regular gestures of worship. But it comforts me in that God’s response to Judah’s hypocrisy is not ultimately one of condemnation. The heart of God here is to correct his people, not reject them. He wants to lead them to repentance, forgiveness and ultimately to a better way of living. You don’t need to beat yourself up about your shortfalls. That won’t help. All God wants is for us to recognise where we have failed so that he can lead us to a more selfless and fruitful life.
Acknowledge your inconsistencies and seek God for change.
Read Isaiah 1
