for our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: transgressing, and denying the Lord, and turning back from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

[isaiah 59:12-13]

 

guilty before a holy Judge.

 

most of us understand how a trial works in a court of law. evidence is laid out pertaining to the person in question, and a judge or jury will decide a verdict based on this evidence. they will declare the person guilty or not guilty.

 

in this passage, the person in question is the nation of israel, God’s chosen people. verse 13 speaks of lying words. what are these lying words? isaiah 29 tells us. [because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me…] the lying words were words of worship and words of praise and devotion. their words were their plea of “not guilty” in front of a holy judge. but their words are false, and the evidence is laid out plainly. their sins testify against them. they know they are guilty of denying the Lord and turning back from following him. they are guilty, and their sin is not hidden before him.

 

this is the case for all of us. no matter what we say, and no matter what we look like on the outside, our sin cannot be hidden before God. our sins testify against us. if we deny our sin, we lie to ourselves and to God. we know we are guilty.

 

but thanks be to God that Jesus intercedes on behalf of his children! he has died and risen so that we can be declared “not guilty”. he has lived a perfect life so that we can be given his righteous record instead of our own. our rebellion can be forgiven if we are found in him!

 

today, if you are in Christ, take a few moments and sit in awe of the righteous record you possess but did not earn. take a few moments and speak out words of thanksgiving to your Savior who gave his life for you. consider what it means that you are chosen and loved for no other reason than that he wanted to choose you and love you. he is such a merciful and gracious God!

 

today, if you find yourself in the place of israel, as a man or woman who draws near to God with your mouth, but your heart is far from him, let today be the day of your salvation. whatever sin you cling to, turn now, and let Jesus take it and declare you clean! draw near to the Lord with your heart and soul, all that you are, and surrender your life to him. he will give you eternal life filled with his joy and love and peace!

 

come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest. take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for i am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

[matthew 11:28-30]

 

all that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me i will never cast out. [john 6:37]

 

~arwen eastman