“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word” [Isaiah 66:2b]
The Hebrew word used here for “esteem” is nabat and nabat means “to greatly admire”. To get the full meaning out to you, I’ll have to use an analogy: Have you ever gone windows shopping? If you have, I’m sure you would have passed by a shop and looked at a very costly item with great admiration and pleasure. Well, that’s what nabat is! So who does the bible say God so greatly admires? “He who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word.” A humble person is one who puts God first, others second and himself last. But here’s where I’m getting at: What is a contrite spirit? A contrite spirit is a spirit that accepts that it has missed the mark or sinned. In other words, God has strong displeasure towards a person who puts on a mask before Him and people. Sometimes people can be so hooked up with the motions of religion that they tend to forget who they really are. Their entire demeanor changes when they enter a religious building or meet with other Christians, they can put on a “Christian” smile, and say beautifully phrased prayers, even changing the very tone they speak! Well, you want to know what God thinks about that: He finds it disgusting!
One time a lady went for the Halloween party with a monster’s costume on- but then that night she slept off in her costume. The next day when she got up she had forgotten all about the costume and scared her children half to death! Some of us are so used to wearing costumes that we forget to get out of it.
Readers, there’s only one way God will ever accept you and that is when you go to Him JUST AS YOU ARE.
I like your article and find your thoughts encouraging and helpful.I have just started a Christian blog and, if you have the time, I would appreceate comments in the light of your Christian blogging experience. I am particularly concerned at how we can reach all those who do not accepr the Gospel or eho have not really heard it.
My URL is lancashirecat.blogspot.com
Timely post! I was just reading Frangipane’s _The Three Battlegrounds_ today. One of the things he mentions is how leaving any area of darkness in our mind (soul) leaves quarter for the devil and his bunch. As we allow more of the light of God to fill us, the mo we are conformed to the image of Christ and the less room we leave for the devil.
I am going to start posting my notes on the book this week (www.openfish.org), so check it out if you w
nt.
OK, keep up the good work.
Steve
I’m lovin it!
I really love that beginning…wow. He looks at us admiringly…awesome. Gosh. I love that. And am in love with Him, too!
Angie V