SOAP 07/18/2014; Isaiah 33:14-15

Today's reading: Isaiah 32, 33, 34, 35; James 2

S) "¹⁴ Sinners in Zion are terrified;
Trembling has seized the godless.
'Who among us can live with the consuming fire?
Who among us can live with continual burning?'
¹⁵ He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;
He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;"

Isaiah 33:14-15 (NASB)

O) There is a lot to say about this passage, so we'll take it line by line.
God is speaking about His own people being guilty, and therefore, terrified.
Then, of course people who reject the LORD altogether will face judgment. All sin brings wrath.
The first thought I had about the consuming fire and continual burning, was the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, from Daniel 3. Their faithfulness to God was counted as righteousness (see Hebrews 11:34 in context of the whole chapter).
Verse 15 is not exhaustive, but it describes a righteous life. The first three points are not unfamiliar. Honesty and integrity are almost universally positive moral traits. The last two points, however, are a little more unique. Isaiah points out that hearing about bloodshed, and looking upon evil, stand in the way of a righteous walk. Perhaps the most interesting aspect, is to consider that the instruction is somewhat reactive. In life, it is nigh impossible to avoid hearing about bloodshed or looking upon evil, but this is significantly different that allowing ourselves to continue to hear and see, let alone actively seeking opportunities to hear and see.

A) These verses have a pretty broad application. The first verse is really a reminder that God's standard is perfection. Alone, we fail that standard. In Christ, however, the standard is met and we can approach the throne of grace with confidence (see Hebrews 4:16). The second verse gives some practical instruction to live a holy life, but I think the last two lines require careful consideration. They are particularly applicable in the areas of entertainment and news. In either sense, the concern should always be the relative proximity to holiness, though, and not the relative proximity to sin. If I am growing in Christ, then I am trying to maintain righteousness, not flirting with the boundaries of sin.

P) Father, You are holy and pure, righteous and good. Your instruction blesses my soul, and Your discipline makes me more like Christ. Let the Holy Spirit challenge me, to greater and greater purity, according to Your definition and will. Convict me about the things I see and hear, and let bloodshed and evil be abhorrent to me, so that I am actually grieved by them, like the righteous man, Lot. may every area of my life, including what I see and hear, glorify You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.