Ritual or Relationship

Daily Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 56-59

Daily Focus Passage: Isaiah 58

Some people in Israel practiced a ritual-based religion and rejected a relationship with the Lord. The prophet Isaiah used the concept of fasting to distinguish between people practicing religion and people in a relationship with the Lord. The prophet's message extends to today and continues to charge people to assess if they live in a ritualistic form of religion or a relationship with the Lord.

A RITUAL RELIGION

The prophet Isaiah described the rituals used by many in Israel to define their status with the Lord. Today, many people attempt to appease the Lord by carrying out similar rituals and acts. First, the prophet noted that a ritual without a relationship is sin in verse 1. When a person participates in a religious ritual without a personal relationship with the Lord, the act is nothing more than an empty vessel masquerading as a follower of the Lord. Without the relationship, the activity is worthless, and as a result, the individual continues in sin.

Second, Isaiah stated that the people appeared holy but were genuinely lost in verse 2. The ritual activity of the people made them look as if they had everything together. They appeared righteous. Yet, the prophet notes that the people externally looked the part, but in reality, they were lost. They did not have hope from the Lord; instead, they lived wandering without a purpose. Today, people can appear righteous but still be lost because of a lack of a relationship with Jesus.

Third, the prophet described the people as focused on seeking their desires in verse 3. The prophet saw the religious activities as a means to please the people's self. They wanted their religion to be acted out as they felt was best and considered right. They more concerned with how it made them think instead of following the Lord. Today, people often attempt to make religion about them. They desire to set the parameters of worship and service according to their idealistic ways.

Fourth, the prophet noted that the people used rituals to quarrel with others in verse 4. The people used the rituals to state their rights. When their rituals appeared challenged or when they opposed the ideas of others, the people began to quarrel. Religious ritual without a relationship with the Lord creates an atmosphere of constant conflict because the fallen self is at the center of the religious activity. Today, religion without Jesus leads to constant turmoil.

Fifth, Isaiah announced that the Lord does not accept ritual alone in verse 5. The religious rituals were activities set to aid in the worship of the Lord. When the rituals become the basis of one's engagement with the Lord, the ritual replaces a relationship. Thus, the Lord does not concern himself with the rituals of humanity but instead seeks the actions of obedience from a relationship with him.  

A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

The prophet Isaiah called the people to live in a relationship with the Lord instead of attempting to appease the Lord through rituals. A genuine relationship with the Lord offers atonement and forgiveness that does not come through rituals alone. First, a relationship with the Lord breaks the bond of wickedness (verse 6). Sin holds us captive. Without rescue, we live bound to the judgment of death due to sin. A relationship with the Lord, through Jesus, provides forgiveness and freedom. It breaks the bondage of sin.

Second, a relationship with the Lord promotes righteousness (verse 7). A follower of Christ strives to live in righteousness. This journey comes as the pursuit of living for Christ occurs. When we enter a relationship with the Lord, we gain motivation and desire to live for the Lord obediently by carrying out his will and ways.

Third, a relationship with the Lord guarantees the presence and protection of the Lord (verse 8). A relationship with Jesus provides us with the Lord's presence. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and gives us the strength and comfort needed to navigate life. The presence of the Lord gives us peace that passes all understanding and encourages us to faithfulness.

Fourth, a relationship with the Lord encourages a life of humility (verse 10). When we enter a relationship with Jesus, we understand the Lord's holiness, perfection, and greatness. This realization gives us the needed recognition of how unworthy we are. As a result, we live in humility and for the Lord and others. We can think more highly of others than we do the self.

Fifth, a relationship with the Lord opens the door for the Lord to hear us as his children (verse 9). As a child of God, the Father listens to our cries and requests. He hears and responds to us according to his will and out of faithfulness and goodness. This truth does not mean we receive everything we ask for; instead, it means that we are heard, and he responds out of his character and love for us.

Sixth, a relationship with the Lord allows the Lord to guide us through life (verse 11). When Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit indwells in us, we gain the leading of the Lord in our lives. He guides us step by step as we seek to follow his leading, will, and ways. The guidance of the Lord flows from his sovereignty and love.

Seventh, a relationship with the Lord brings restoration (verse 12). A relationship with Jesus brings the promise of restoration—the promise of experiencing the reality of no pain, no tears, and a renewed body. At the same time, a relationship with Jesus brings a restored relationship with the Lord and guarantees everlasting life.

The prophet Isaiah knew the importance of having a relationship with the Lord and not living with rituals. When considering our lives, we must ensure we have a relationship with the Lord through Jesus and not basing our hope on our religious activities.