SOAP 09/12/2015; Psalm 81:15

Today's reading: Daniel 3, 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

S) "¹⁵ Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him,
And their time of punishment would be forever."

Psalm 81:15 (NASB)

O) This psalm begins with a call to worship, and then the author gives an account of words he heard the LORD speak. In vv.8-10, God reveals that His heart is for reconciliation. But, in vv.11-14, we see that the people refused to return to their God, so He gave them the fruit of their idolatry. That is the context of the verse above. Truly, people are either for God, or against Him, but from God's perspective, there is actual hatred in the hearts of people who only pretend obedience to the LORD. Idolatry is a sin, but over and over, we see God call Israel out, because they were worshiping idols and trying to worship Him. That is pretending obedience. We are left with the impression that God is even more offended with our idolatry, when we pretend our idols can coexist with worshiping Him.

A) Certainly, everyone sins. Authentic, born again, Christians sin. I sin. The real question is, am I pretending that my sins, the idols of my heart, can coexist while I profess worship to the LORD? If I am pretending that my sins are not sins, and my idols can coexist with the Almighty, then I am pretending obedience. I cannot expect anything less, than for that type of spiritual adultery to be punished.

P) Father, You are holy in All Your ways and in all Your commands. I don't want to pretend obedience, while I am trying to glorify You. I want to love You in obedience, not hate You in pretending. Purify my heart, my Lord. Clean out the rooms in my heart, where I have hidden idols. Examine me, judge me, overturn the tables where I have corrupted what You intended. Restore holiness where I have profaned. Judge me now, while I may still repent. Show me the sins of my heart, where I have been pretending obedience without even realizing it. Convict me by the Holy Spirit within me, and let me respond with contrition, humility, obedience, and love. Have Your way with me, Lord GOD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.