SOAP 02/04/2016; Isaiah 66:3

Today's reading: Exodus 37, 38; Psalm 19; Acts 11*

S) "³ But he who kills an ox is like one who slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb is like the one who breaks a dog’s neck;
He who offers a grain offering is like one who offers swine’s blood;
He who burns incense is like the one who blesses an idol.
As they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,"

Isaiah 66:3 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 66

O) The main point of this verse, is a warning that doing the right thing with a corrupted heart, is still a problem. The killing of the ox, the sacrifice of the lamb, the grain offering, and the burning of incense were all parts of the ceremonial laws of the old covenant. However, the slaying of a man, breaking a dog's neck, having anything to do with the blood of an unclean animal, and certainly blessing an idol, all of these were quite corrupt and contemptible things. These people had the outer appearance of obedience, but had actually chosen their ways apart from what God instructed. The desires of their hearts were for abominable things.

A) In light of the teachings of Jesus, none of this is revelatory. In fact, it might be possible to say that, in light of Jesus, nothing in the Old Testament is revelatory. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. But reading this verse certainly reminds me of a few points. First, while behavioral obedience is required, even according to Jesus (see John 14:15), there must still be a change in the heart for the obedience to mean anything. In His parable about the two sons, the obedient son first had a change of heart (see Matthew 21:29). The verse above serves as a reminder of the truth, that the heart matters as much, if not more, than the behavior. Also, the above verse is a reminder that this has always been the case with God. He has always wanted my heart first, before my actions. So, my Christianity, my spirituality, my morality... these things are not about sin-management. The defining question is not, "How well I am resisting temptation?" but it is instead, "How dedicated is my heart?" When I examine myself, when I judge myself, when I allow Scripture and the Holy Spirit to convict me, my focus should be less about circumstantial behaviors, and more about seeing the things in which my soul delights. Am I delighting in my own ways? Am I delighting in my own pleasures? Or, instead, am I delighting in God's ways? Am I delighting in God, Himself? That should be my focus. It's not about performing the right things, but about preferring the right things. In that right preference, behavior will follow. In that determined commitment to devote myself to God and His ways (which includes actions that show that, like worship, prayer, etc.), then the other aspects of obedience are kept as holy.

P) Father, You are holy and good. You are pure and righteous. Those elements of Your character are scary, if I am not also aware that You are gracious and merciful. I confess that my behaviors have been right in a lot of areas, while my heart has remained corrupt in one way or another. Please forgive and discipline me. Create in me a clean heart, a soft heart. Burn in me, with a renewed desire for You and Your ways, Lord. I repent of my own ways, and I choose You alone to be the delight of my soul. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.