Understanding "But to this man will I look..."

Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?

For all those things hath mine hand made, And all those things have been, saith the Lord: But to this man will I look, Even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, And trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

Dissect and Define 

In this verse, God is describing the person He favors. The Jews had been going through the motions of religion, but not worshipping God from the heart. 

·      Poor: This does not necessarily mean financially poor, but rather humble—someone who recognizes their need for God and does not rely on their own strength or status. Mat 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

·      Contrite spirit: A spirit that is broken, humble, and deepl sorrowful over sin. Ps 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

·      Trembleth at my word: To tremble at God's word means to have deep respect, reverence, and awe for what God says, taking His commands and teachings seriously and responding with obedience and humility.

Application

Consider the above verses as you start the new year. God looks for those who are inwardly humble, recognize their need for Him, and respond to His Word with reverence and obedience. For individuals seeking to live in a way that pleases God, these verses serves as a reminder to:

1.        Practice humility and avoid pride.

2.        Be quick to confess sins and seek forgiveness.

3.        Value and honor God's word by reading, listening, and following it sincerely. Honor God’s Word by taking time to understand the meaning and application of the text.

Quote: Apply yourself wholly to the text; apply the text wholly to yourself. -- J. A. Bengel

Ron Cox - Director of HOPE Ministry