Isaiah 58 HYPOCRISY vs HONESTY The full-throated sound of the prophet’s voice declaring Israel’s sins, was like the trumpet of the Lord giving a loud warning to those whose transgressions and sins had to be faced. The self-righteousness of the leaders of the people was being exposed showing what they were really like. They were paying careful attention to the outward religious forms of fasting and worship, but it was all hypocrisy because it was for themselves and to exalt who they thought they were before other people. It was not for the Lord they were fasting and going to the temple. Formal religion had become a substitute for reality and real commitment to God. They went to the temple, practiced self-denial and outward humbling so that on-lookers thought they were holy. Their “repentance for sin” was insincere and their worship was really false worship.
Religious hypocrisy was exposed by the message of Isaiah who made it plain that religious observances have no value if righteousness, faith and love are not there. That kind of hypocrisy hinders prayers, and the outward signs of weakness and humility were not acceptable to the Lord. When our Lord Jesus was here, He spoke plainly to the Pharisees and the people about their fasts, long prayers and public alms-giving, and condemned them for that pretense of humility. It is true that a time of glory is coming in the future, but now sin must be faced and forsaken.
When things are wrong, they must be put right. External religious practices are of no worth at all if people do not judge themselves, deal with sin by confessing and forsaking sin, and turn in faith to the Lord. Forms and traditions that people have attached to their religious life are of no value to God and no benefit to ourselves and other people. We have obligations to people around us, especially those who have real needs. However, the point of helping meet their needs is not so we can feel good about ourselves, but so that those who are in need are fed, clothed and blessed by us because the Lord has blessed us first. All honor goes to our Lord who has given us what is needed to pass on.
In contrast to the hypocrisy of false worship and religious formalism, is the light of fellowship with the Lord that is real, and produces spiritual joy for the sorrowing, spiritual prosperity for the hungry and salvation for the lost. Those who want to be a blessing to others, in honesty and compassion bring spiritual healing to sin-sick souls. Their light shows and blessing breaks out like a refreshing rain. Righteousness comes ahead of blessing, but the Lord Himself goes before and comes after those who have the right motives in what they do. Prayers are answered as fellowship is joined with others in faith. Understanding is given to the hungry souls and they find satisfaction.
When there is fellowship with God and others who are honest, there are no false accusations, no rejection of truth and righteousness. Godly influences that bless people who are sincere and dedicated to the Lord, takes the place of hypocrisy. God gets first place in the hearts of those who show reality by their obedience to divine authority. Spiritual growth and prosperity follow the sincerity and spiritual integrity that is in those who worship God in truth. When the condition is right, guidance from God is there and our souls are strong in faith, and our lives are fruitful. Restoration and revival follow when God gets the right place among His people and in the nation.
Eternal life becomes real to us when we experience light in the darkness, rest in our soul, fruit for our labor, joy in our fellowship with others. There is a real sense of God’s presence in the affairs of life. There is recovery to our spiritual heritage that makes life meaningful with fullness of joy. There is an appointed rest that is an opportunity to honor the Lord in our family, our assembly and our community when we do God’s things in God’s way. Even the unique and special day set apart for God, makes our life with the Lord become more alive in a practical way as we worship, praise, testify and fellowship with the Lord and His people.
True worship is much more than religious ritual. To go to the meetings of the local assembly, to fast and listen to what is read and preached, can all be done without any more reality than going to some secular event. Outward forms may seem pious and meaningful to religious flesh, but that is all it is – flesh. The true worship of God is not hypocritical nor is it for one’s self. Worship is for the Lord. It is expressed when there are heart-felt thoughts and words spoken to Him from our hearts in audible thanksgiving and songs of praise and worship. A relationship between us and our Lord Jesus is not some form or ritual. It involves personal expressions that show reality, and there is real compassion and interest in those around us. We are able to respond to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of other people in the name of the Lord.
Deeds of kindness toward others can be done by anyone, but when the love of God is the motivation, and generosity, kindness and true justice is done as to the Lord, we are able to please Him. He adds to it the anointing that is needed to make it a spiritual work. That brings with it a joy that rises above self-centered feelings of having done something good, and just feeling good about our contribution to a need. Believers who do what they do, “as to the Lord,” get a lasting spiritual joy in that our Lord Jesus is glorified. That is like sitting at a feast with those who have gone on before us whose faith was living and real. That is the heritage of the saints. That is much more than Sabbath keeping was to the Jews. There is a meaning and purpose in doing things God’s way.
The results of responding to the needs around us, are that light comes out of darkness. The Lord’s presence is felt among those who love and serve Him by serving others. There is happiness generated in unhappy times. Real needs of real people are met by real love in real ways. There is a refreshment of souls that brings satisfaction to those who receive from the bounty given, and also in those who count their giving, a privilege to be able to serve. When one empties themselves for others, personal faith seems real to us and we are confident that our God does not fail us. Motive, action and results are all for the glory of God when done in honesty, not hypocrisy.