Thurs.’s Devo - What Impresses God?

Read: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:5-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16 God explains that man can never please him with their temples and sacrifices. He made everything, so how can we impress him? He tells us. He is impressed with a humble and contrite heart. Contrite means that you are sorry and repentant of your sins. He is also impressed by those who tremble at his word and obey it. *** Then, Isaiah tells us what will happen to those who tremble at his words. They will be hated for being loyal to God, but God will take vengeance against their enemies. In a moment, God can come to our rescue and turn everything around. God did that for Jerusalem once and will do it again. Jerusalem is a metaphor for God’s Church universal. She will become a river of peace and prosperity. She will grow and flourish and be comforted. But, God will punish the earth with the fire of his judgment and many will die. Those who worshipped other gods will die a terrible death. The Gospel will spread to the ends of the earth and all will hear the good news of Christ. *** The heavens and earth will be renewed. The dead bodies of the wicked will be a reminder to all of what God did to bring us a new earth full of righteousness and peace. We are watching this unfolding. *** In Philippians, Paul had just stated that we can put no confidence in our own human effort. Then he gives us his impressive pedigree making the point that though he was given every opportunity and was great in the world’s eyes, all that was worthless. The only thing he has to boast in is finding Christ and becoming one with him. He continues to press on to know him greater and reach the end of his race to receive his heavenly prize. *** Paul lived his life so he could tell his followers to pattern their lives after him. Can we say that to those who follow us? I hope so. *** Lord, thank you that we are now citizens of heaven though we dwell on the earth. May your light shine through us so that others might know and see that light and come to know you. You are the prize at the end of our race.