Sandra Corbett penned the words to a powerful modern worship chorus: “I worship You, Almighty God; / There is none like You. / I worship You, O Prince of Peace; / That is what I want to do. / I give you praise for You are my righteousness. / I worship You, Almighty God; / There is none like You.”
Worship is the focus of today's reading. Through all Isaiah prophesied, including the Servant Songs, he was calling Israel back to genuine worship of the one true God. He condemned false worshipers (56:9-57:13), including many of the nation's leaders, who had earned their descriptions as blind watchmen and selfish shepherds. They had led the people into covenant unfaithfulness by worshiping idols, including adopting the detestable pagan practices of sexual immorality and child sacrifice as part of “worship.” Their faith was misplaced, and God would expose and judge their rebelliousness.
True worshipers, by contrast, are righteous and humble and walk closely with God (57:14-58:14). He alone is worthy of worship and a strong refuge for His people. He dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit, a fact that amounts to an invitation to the Israelites to humble themselves and repent of their sin. God's anger was just, but they could take comfort in seeing His larger purposes of healing, restoration, and comfort.
If they were not sure where to begin in turning from their idolatry, chapter 58 is a guide on how to repent. Facing up to the reality of sin is the first step, but the Israelites were acting as if everything were in good shape (58:1-3). They needed to realize that doing the forms of worship while at the same time living unworshipfully was and is useless. God sees the heart, and that is the measure of a true worshiper.
For such people: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs . . . You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (58:11).
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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