Isaiah 66:5-6 – Be prepared for ridicule when we honor God

In contrasting true worship with false worship, Isaiah 66:1-4 also differentiate true worshippers from false ones. True worshippers would approach God in humility, and contrition of heart. They would come before God in readiness to listen and then to obey God’s word. The false worshippers on the other hand would come insincerely without any true reverence for God. Their emphasis would be on sacrifices and hypocritical shows. The sacrifices they offered would often be incongruent with what God had prescribed in His word. God, Isaiah asserted, would not accept such worship.

Indirectly, Isaiah 66:5, shows that among the true worshippers there will be found those insincere and deceitful worshippers. Referring to them as “your brothers,” Isaiah sounds a warning to the true worshippers. He warns that those so-called brothers will hate and marginalize them for their reverence for God’s Word. They will scornfully seek to disparage them. Didn’t Jesus tell us that in the fellowship of His people, there would be found wolves in sheep’s clothing? It should not surprise us that in the church we will stumble into such people. People who know how to use religious-sounding expressions but with malicious intention to humiliate and make one look small. Thankfully, Isaiah tells us that God will not let them go scotch-free. He will deal with them and put them to shame. They will have to face the open and startling effect of God’s dealing.

As we consider this warning, let us also hear the assuring words of Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12. He said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” We must not be ignorant; insults and mockery often come with the territory. When we seek to honor the Lord and live truthfully, we may invite sarcasm. We may be belittled for our faith and willingness to follow and serve our Lord with sincerity. But the reward is far greater than the insult that will be leveled at us. Bear in mind that following Jesus exacts a cost. But bearing the cost of the cross will prepare us for the crown, the promised crown of life!