As we reach the end of the book of Isaiah in our reading, God is describing not only the end of times, but also what He desires and how things will be in the new heaven and the new earth. Much of what God talks about in Isaiah 66 is laid out in greater detail in the last book of the Bible, Revelation. It is worth noting, that what God says He desires is often in sharp contrast to what we as humans believe is the most important. Israel thought that they were right with God for two reasons. The first is their family line. They thought because they were Jewish that they were automatically saved. Their second line of reasoning was that they had the Law and tried to keep the Law. This second line of reasoning is still pervasive today, not just with Jewish people, but with many who are regular church-goers. The belief is that what I do is not only what can save me, but it is also the most important thing about me. However, let’s look at what God says in Isaiah 66:2, “For all these things My hand has made, and all those things exist,” says the Lord. “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit. and who trembles at My word.”
The people were so caught up in what they could do for God, that they neglected who they were. They thought that what they did was more important than who they were. I wish this was an attitude that no longer exists, but sadly it isn’t. I like what Pastor Robby Gallaty said in his new book, Replicate, “What we do for God is not sustained by our time with God.” We focus on doing, rather than being who God has called us to be. As Gallaty says in the book, “we are human beings, not human doings.” What God clearly reveals in this text for us is that our humility in understanding that we can’t save ourselves is the most important aspect of who we are. Not only do we need to be humble in realizing that we can’t save ourselves, it is only by God’s grace that we can be saved; but we also need to be submissive to the Lord in our life. If I could sum it up in one sentence, I think this would be the sentence; if I don’t spend an appropriate amount of time with God, hearing from Him, and responding to Him in private, I will never be prepared to do what I am called to do in public. Therefore, instead of focusing so much on what we do for God, let’s take time each day to focus on who God is calling us to be. Let’s allow God to work in us, and then He will work through us.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin