SOAP 07/17/2014; Isaiah 29:13

Today's reading: Isaiah 29, 30, 31; James 1

S) "¹³ Then the Lord said,

'Because this people draw near with their words
And honor Me with their lip service,
But they remove their hearts far from Me,
And their reverence for Me consists of ^[e]tradition learned by rote,'"

Isaiah 29:13 (NASB)

O) This is a preface from the God, giving the reasons for the coming discipline of His people. His children were not truly committed to Him. They were going through the motions, but their hearts were not in it. In today's world, this is like going to church on Sundays, singing all of the worship songs, and maybe even filling out the note card for the sermon; all while being devoted to another, or while harboring a secret sin. In a marriage, this is the person who is secretly committing adultery while their spouse genuinely has no idea. Except, God is the faithful bridegroom, and He knows full well of the infidelity, and He is patient - to a point.

A) This verse has been fairly familiar to me for some time now, I guess. So, when I read it, it wasn't exactly a revelation to me, but I was reflective while reading it. As I was digging into it, I found two things of note. First, the separation from God is on the people, as they "remove their hearts" actively. This is beyond the "sin separates, when I sin it's my fault" type of progression. This language really implies a more willful rebellion. The second thing was the footnote I left. It reads, "Lit commandment of rulers" and suddenly, I was thinking of this verse in a whole new context. I cannot, under any circumstance, allow my children to grow up in the church with a reverence for God that is because of my commandment to do so. Well before they reach their teenage years, I have a responsibility to show my children what it means to really be devoted to the LORD, the struggle of it, and especially the benefit of it. When they see that faithfulness to God, trust in Him, as second to none, is second to none, then they will revere Him well beyond my instruction to do so.

P) Father, thank You for continuing to discipline me. I trust that it is the proof of Your love for me, and that the discipline brings greater righteousness in me, which brings greater glory to You. Continue to discipline me according to Your will. Show me, guide me by the Holy Spirit, to lead my family in faithfulness to You. Let them see the benefit, the compassion and lovingkindness, and the eternal blessing You have secured for us, by faith in, and love of, Your Son. Whatever that takes, Lord, let it happen according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.