When God looks at you…

Tremble at God's Word

One of the remarkable things about the Lord’s Prayer is the disclosure that ‘when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret –  and… your Father who sees in secret will reward you.’ (Mt 6:6-7)

 It doesn’t tell you how to pray, what to say, or even how to say it, but it does assure you that you will be seen and heard. It’s a great incentive to pray, especially since at times, you do not ask, so you don’t receive. Knowing God hears encourages us to ask.

God sees in secret and rewards openly

  In His role as our Heavenly Father, we, as children, are keen to get God’s attention, and mercifully, that attention comes not through frantic gesturing, smoke machines, or laser shows (the modern way!). Another way to look at Matthew 6:6-7 is to say, “Hide yourself away and pray to your Father who, by appearance, doesn’t seem to be there, and then your Father, who doesn’t seem to be there, will reward you.” That’s a tonic to the weary soul! He is with you even though you are not always aware of it – not much of a surprise given that He did tell us He would never leave us nor forsake us. Our prayer life teaches us that not only is God always with us and for us, sometimes He is beyond visual range – but always close enough to see and scrutinize every thought and intent of our hearts with a view to comforting, encouraging, or blessing our obedience and faith.

Challenges and Choices

Our lives are crammed full of challenges, some more welcome than others, but along with those challenges come choices, and accompanying them are lifestyle choices we face that impact how we grow and develop in our lives as followers of Christ. Isaiah, one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history, knew something about what makes God tick; what, as it were, stirs the heart of God.

Isaiah lets us know exactly who it is that gets God’s attention – and why

Isaiah’s words are significantly encouraging and something we can hold onto. Towards the end of Isaiah’s staggering prophetic utterances in Isaiah 66:2, he throws down the gauntlet, drawing us near, and telling us that God says, “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” It’s a verse that is loaded with meaning and, along with Micah’s, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8), provides fantastic insight into how we should present ourselves to God in our day and age.

It’s worthwhile to prepare a slide and place it under the microscope. We have biblical heroes like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who also speak volumes to us if we care or dare to listen. Their stories are captivating ones of faith and obedience, coming in the face of threats of violence and death, yet, regardless of the outcome, they chose to obey God rather than man.

How about you? Is God looking at you? Sometimes, you may wish He wasn’t. Imagine if you could stop time, take some form of action, and then, using your superpower, rewind time and continue as if nothing had happened; what would you have done? Regardless of your answer, God would know. We’re always being watched.

Isaiah’s Wisdom

Knowing that, Isaiah offers us some wisdom: be humble and contrite in spirit, and tremble at His word. But what does that mean, and why is it important?

Isaiah brings a passionate plea for us not to be casual in the matters of God.

In context, Isaiah’s prophecy is significant, particularly when you consider that six verses later is the famous prophecy that many consider to be about Israel in 1948; ‘Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labour than she gives birth to her children.’

Just a few breaths before this announcement is our verse. The chapter addresses God’s judgement and redemption, contrasting the attitudes and actions that displease God with those He favours. The earlier parts of the chapter, including verse 3, speak of the inadequacy of mere ritual observance without true devotion to God. It’s a passionate plea for us not to be casual in the matters of God. So the phrase ‘But this is the one to whom I will look’ signifies a shift from the previous verses. It highlights God’s favour, not based on external rites or status but on the internal disposition of the individual.

In effect, God is saying there is something to which He will absolutely give attention, favour, and consideration. The implication is that God’s focus and approval are not on outward displays of religion but on the state of the heart. The God of the Old Testament is no different to the one of the New – grace is at the heart of all that God does, and our response to that grace is what is important. What has to be noted here is that God looks at us with intent – an intent to bless, encourage, and help.

We are often tempted to look at God as infinitely holy, righteous, blameless – which He is, but we look at Him in comparison to us. But He is not man – He is God, and the comparisons stop there. So when scripture says that God is love, it is more than Him just being ‘loving’. Why is this important? Because we must understand that God, infinite in all of His characteristics, means what He says, whenever He says it. They are not platitudes. When He says, ‘this is the one to whom I will look, or this is the one who gets my attention,’ He means it.

Qualities that Attract Divine Attention

So, looking deeper at this, what qualities or characteristics about you and me attract Divine attention? The qualities God esteems are described as “humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Each of these attributes holds deep significance.

With me, nothing is possible, but with God, well, the story changes.

The Hebrew concept of humility is a colossal bear hug on the idea of meekness and a modest view of one’s importance in contrast to God’s greatness. It implies a recognition of one’s own limitations and a dependence on God, something demonstrated powerfully as Luke narrates in the Book of Acts. With me, nothing is possible, but with God, well, the story changes.

This is about recognising that all we have comes down from the Father of lights; we have only what has come from Heaven. Consider even when we die and meet the Lord, what does He say? “Well done, good and faithful servant (deacon!).” Who enabled you to remain a good and faithful one? The Holy Spirit! God will commend you for what He was doing in your life! Grace upon grace, and in humility, we recognise His hand at work in our lives.

Humility doesn’t stand alone, though. We mess up in life, frequently, too frequently. The twin of humility is a contrite spirit. This is something that Jesus knows nothing of – but we do. Contrition involves a profound sense of remorse for sin and genuine repentance. As we mature in God, our life of sin and repentance can feel like a pirouette, but as time progresses, things change. It’s not mere sorrow that God notices but a transformation of the heart that acknowledges wrongdoing and seeks to align with God’s will. Grace brings a metamorphosis to the heart; no longer do we do things because we have to, but because we want to. We want to live sin-free lives. Grace leads us by the hand, not drives us with threat and fear.

The Impact of God’s Word

The outcome of humility and a contrite heart leads to genuine openness to the high authority of God’s word. Isaiah says that there is something else that, if you like, “woos” God, it’s the same person who comes before God in life with humility, clean hands, and a pure heart of contrition and that trembles at His Word. There’s a deep, deep reverence for God’s Word, recognising its authority, power, and the serious implications of obedience or disobedience to it. Such a life is represented by a heart that is sensitive to and impacted by God’s Word.

The challenge is to have an attitude of heart that says, “this is what I want to be like – humble and contrite in spirit and trembling at God’s Word.”

God will look at you.

7 very long days

Noah
Noah

In the powerful and inspiring tale of Noah and the Ark, especially in those tension-laden seven days before the heavens opened, we find a challenging reflection of our own lives.

Noah’s days were not merely a countdown; they were a profound journey of faith, a testament to unshakable belief amidst doubt and ridicule. Chopping down trees left right and centre, Noah had built the Ark under the scornful watch of his peers. It’s been a number of years for the massive, first-of-its-kind project and now finally nestled within its timber embrace alongside a vast audience of animals Noah and his family settle down to see what happens.

 “For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights,
and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” Genesis 7:4

There’s a heavy “clunk” and the door, divinely sealed, shut them away from the world outside.

There’s a heavy “clunk” and the door, divinely sealed, shut them away from the world outside. In this hush, they waited, and waited. Noah and everyone with him are in unprecedented times, governed by Noah’s careful, deliberate act of obedience.  Outside, life unsuspectingly carried on, everyone oblivious to the looming cataclysm. This awkward interlude, these seven days, starkly contrast the years of toil and mockery Noah faced. It was a moment of stillness, a silent prelude to the storm, heavy with expectation and perhaps a whisper of uncertainty. It certainly wasn’t something taken lightly and the family had taken some convincing and persuasion-still, they were had finally joined him, and now they sat with him, wondering… and there was much to wonder about.

We walk by faith not by sight but obedience and faith is the best and most rewarding way.

These days encapsulate those moments in our lives when we step out in faith, adhering to what we believe is God’s guidance, only to find ourselves in a period of anticipation. This is where our faith is truly refined. Just like Noah might have pondered in those quiet hours, we too grapple with doubts: Have I discerned God’s voice correctly? Will His promises unfold as told? We walk by faith not by sight but obedience and faith is the best and most rewarding way.

Our modern lives are often caught in this rhythm of action and pause. We make decisions, influenced by our faith or our understanding of God’s will, and then, we wait. We await affirmation, for signs, for the symbolic ‘rain’ to start, validating our actions. These times can be riddled with anxiety and doubt, yet they are also ripe for spiritual maturation and deepening reliance on God. We’re not the first to face these challenges, but it may feel that way, which is why the testimonies, stories and biographies of those who have gone before us are infinitely of value.

Genuine faith sometimes demands that we endure periods of uncertainty

Noah’s experience during these seven days teaches us that obedience to God isn’t always instantly rewarded or confirmed through external signs. Genuine faith sometimes demands that we endure periods of uncertainty, clinging to God’s promises even when they seem remote or improbable.

It’s a much needed reminder that our journey with God isn’t always marked by quick gratification or clear, palpable signs of His presence and approval. In our fast-paced, results-driven society, the lesson of these seven days resonates deeply. We learn that patience and unyielding faith are virtues. Noah’s narrative encourages us to trust in God’s timing, to stay faithful even when His work in our lives isn’t immediately evident. God will come through for us, but not always the way we anticipate or desire.  It’s a call to deeply trust in the character and faithfulness of God, believing that He is at work even in the silence, even in the waiting; that long, long waiting.

Like Noah, we are called to believe in God’s promises

The story of Noah, particularly those days of waiting, holds up a silver mirror to our lives. It challenges us to scrutinize our faith: Can we trust God even when we can’t see immediate results of our obedience? Can we maintain hope and faith in the calm, in the waiting periods of our lives? As we ponder this, we realize these moments of waiting are not just intermissions; they are critical to our spiritual growth. These are the times when our faith is purified, our trust in God deepened, and our commitment to His path cemented. Like Noah, we are called to believe in God’s promises, trusting that in His perfect timing, the rains will come, affirming His steadfastness and fulfilling His word.

Reflecting on Biblical characters and historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, we see a recurring theme of challenging obedience and deliberate faith, with a steadfast focus on God despite daunting circumstances. These individuals exemplify perseverance and unwavering trust in God, often in the face of overwhelming odds. Consider Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). Despite being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s unshakeable faith in God’s sovereignty is evident. His ability to forgive his brothers and recognize God’s hand in his suffering showcases a faith that acknowledges God’s grander design.

Then there’s Daniel, whose life in Babylonian captivity (Daniel 6) is a testament to faithfulness. His defiance of the king’s decree, risking death in the lion’s den, underscores his unwavering commitment to God, teaching us about the power of faithfulness and prayer in the face of opposition. Other Biblical characters like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), who faced the fiery furnace rather than bow to an idol, illustrate faith that doesn’t falter, even when deliverance is uncertain. Their declaration in Daniel 3:17-18 is a powerful testament to their belief in God, even in the most dire circumstances.

More closer to us in history, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian during the Nazi regime, stood against evil rooted in deep Christian faith. His involvement in the resistance against Hitler, as reflected in his writings like “The Cost of Discipleship,” exemplifies “costly grace” – true faith often requires significant personal sacrifice and unwavering obedience to God’s will.

In each of these stories, perseverance is key. Whether it’s Joseph enduring years of suffering, Daniel in the lion’s den, the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, or Bonhoeffer opposing Nazism, each narrative reflects a profound commitment to God that transcends personal safety and comfort. These figures teach us that true faith often involves walking a difficult path, marked by trials and opposition, yet it is through these experiences that faith is refined and God’s power and faithfulness are vividly displayed.

And then there’s YOUR story. What is it?

Their lives inspire us to persevere in our faith, keeping our focus on God, especially during trials.

They remind us that obedience to God’s will may not always be easy or comfortable, but it is always worth it.

As James 1:12 affirms, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” It’s a reminder of  the eternal reward and recognition awaiting those who persevere in faith and remain obedient to God, even in the face of great difficulties.

Seven days is a long time when you are sat waiting. But the adventure is worth it.