Passage Read: Isaiah 55-58
Meditation Verses: 58:1-3
Thought
The people seek the Lord every day and delight to hear His Word taught. They do righteousness, at least some form of it, and they diligently follow certain rules and regulations, at least those pertaining to the treatment of God. They pray to God for just decisions and rejoice that their God is so near. But they're confused as to why they pray but receive no answer. They go further: They fast and humble themselves but still God seems oblivious! They have a form of godliness, observance of rituals and holy days, prayers and teaching, but there is no connection to their daily life, to their treatment of others. They pray and sing and listen to God's Word. They offer sacrifices and deny themselves and beg for God to give them justice over their oppressors. But they don't see how they oppress those around them and care nothing for the weak and needy beside them. They live for their own desires, and all they do for God is to get from Him a blessing, not to learn from Him and be changed into His likeness.
Application
God's not impressed with what I do in church, for church, during church, unless it has lasting impact on what I do outside of church. God's not impressed with my study of His Word and knowledge of Him, if it doesn't change how I treat my fellow man. God's Word doesn't teach me to seek my own desires and care about only my needs, but to seek His desires and to personally care for the needs of those around me. Honoring God in my speech inside of church and outside, seeking the good of all men, not just being polite to those in church, helping those I can and treating all men with honor. If I don't do what God actually asks of me, I shouldn't be surprised if He doesn't bless me as I hope. If I'm asking God and He doesn't seem to be listening, I need to look for what's wrong with me, rather than wonder what's wrong with God.