February 2: GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS

Hear the word of the LORD, You who tremble at His word: “Your brethren who hated you, Who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, That we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:5

God is tenderly addressing the faithful remnant. It is not easy being treated harshly by false brethren. Because He is capable of seeing the heart behind the actions, God can easily distinguish between the sincere and the hypocrite.

The bringing of a sacrifice was to be accompanied by a spiritual experience that included a sincere desire for mercy and forgiveness, to be in a right standing with the LORD, to overcome sinful tendencies, to learn to do good (1:17a). The day-in-day-out blood sacrifices of the sanctuary were a dramatic illustration of the seriousness of sin. Sin separates the sinner from God, the Giver and Sustainer of life. Genuine sorrow for sin equaled walking through the door of mercy.

A hypocrite, meaning actor, does “right things” before the eyes of his fellow man, but there is no corresponding spiritual experience. No transformation. Such actions are equated with murder* in the eyes of the LORD. He who kills a bull . . . slays a man (v.3a). Instead of gaining relief and forgiveness, such a one is only adding sin to sin. Merely going through the motions of sanctuary activities actually makes an idol—a meaningless thing—of that which God intended to bring home a transformational truth. He who burns incense . . . blesses an idol (v.3b).

Since it is possible to superficially appear as one of God’s faithful, deceiving yourself, it is wise to include self-examination in your quiet time with Him, sincerely asking Him to point out anything that is not pleasing to Him. A hypocrite does not know that he is a hypocrite. The hardness of heart that accompanies hypocrisy is like a hard shell that deflects the arrow of truth. Our God can penetrate any barrier, but it is best to keep ‘barrier-free’.

So I will choose their delusions . . . (v.4a) The Hebrew translated delusions is ta’alulim, which can mean severe treatment or affliction. But even in God’s severe treatment, a wise and merciful purpose can be found. The key is to seek [His] face (a close relationship) and not just His hand (the blessings He can bestow). Failure to seek divine counsel in our day, which modern technology has rendered so widely available, is tantamount to actively calling down curses (listed after Deuteronomy 28:15) upon oneself.

When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8

*The opening phrase of Isaiah 66:3 may initially seem harsh or exaggerated, but it is actually understated. The “religiosity” of false brethren draws in many followers, unaware that they are being led along a path to eternal death. Jesus affirmed this concept. (see Matthew 23:15)

Increase your knowledge: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 105:4; Proverbs 18:15; Daniel 12:4; Hosea 4:6; Romans 1:28; John 16:1-3; Ephesians 1:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Peter 1:5