A short time ago, one of my kids was in trouble with their mom. This child was also really excited about going to McDonald’s that day, but I told them that before they could enjoy good gifts from me, they needed to go and apologize to their mother. The reply I got was, “I’d rather starve !” So my kid counted the cost, and decided it wasn’t worth humbling themself.
Adults aren’t all that different. We just don’t want to humble ourselves and admit that we were wrong, even if it means missing out on some really great things. Even when they’re coming from God.
Isaiah 30:15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”
The problem is not that God doesn’t offer salvation, rest, or strength. The problem is that we refuse to receive those things on His terms.
Why do we feel tired? Why do we feel condemned, carrying around shame and guilt? Because we would rather blameshift or deny personal responsibility than come to God in repentance and humility. We would rather work hard at doing good things to impress God and others than rest in the completed work of the life and death of Jesus Christ. So we trade rest and salvation in exchange for holding onto our pride.
Why do we feel weak and inadequate? Because we rely too much on our own strength, our own strategies and ingenuity rather than trusting in God and allowing our weakness to become our strength. See, if I try to do something I’m weak at alone, I will find that I don’t do all that great. But if I rely on God, and He empowers me to do things I otherwise could not have done, then my weakness becomes my strength.
Quietness is also important. We don’t have to be loud and proud and sound a trumpet before ourselves. Usually the people who do that are the most insecure of all! When we have a proper view of ourselves, it allows us to be quiet and humble, and as we trust in God, He becomes our strength and shows himself strong on our behalf.
God does offer salvation and strength, but we must come through the doors of repentance, rest, quietness and trust. Sadly, for so many people, what God said to Israel still holds true today, “but you would have none of it.” They just don’t want the gift God has for them. How tragic!
But the offer still stands, right up until the last moment possible. If you turn to the back of your Bible, you’ll see that Jesus still gives this call, right up until the end, “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Revelation 22:17 NKJV