Dependence On God

[Albert Finch]

Isaiah 66:2 - To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

 

THE HEBREW WORD FOR LOOK IS "NABAT" WHICH MEANS TO REGARD, PAY ATTENTION TO, OR TO ESTEEM.

 
THE ONE WHO GETS GOD'S FAVORABLE ATTENTION IS POOR OR HUMBLE. HUMILITY IS NOT BEING WEAK, WIMPY OR SPINELESS. IN FACT OFTEN THE TRULY HUMBLE ARE MISTAKEN FOR ACTING ARROGANT. DAVID WAS ACCUSED OF BEING ARROGANT AND FULL OF PRIDE BY HIS OLDER BROTHER, ELIAB, WHO HAD BEEN REJECTED BY GOD FOR THE VERY THING HE ACCUSED DAVID OF (1 SAMUEL 17:26,28). BUT GOD CALLED DAVID A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART.

A HUMBLE PERSON IS UTTERLY DEPENDANT ON GOD. THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT HIM. THUS, THEY SEEK HIS DESIRE AND WILL IN EVERYTHING.

CONTRITENESS IS LIKENED TO BROKENNESS. TO BE BROKEN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WEAKNESS, BUT WITH SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY.

 

Psalm 51:16,17 - For you do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - These, O God, You will not despise.

Romans 8:33 -- "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies."

Mark 15:3 -- "And the chief priest accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing."

 

Why didn't Jesus defend Himself?
The reason: to remain under His Father's judgment and thus His protection.

When we refuse to defend ourselves we are hidden under the hand of God's grace and judgment. There is no safer place.
I contrast, those who defend themselves come under the jurisdiction of their accusers and their judgment, and thus they forfeit divine intervention.

The moment I justify and defend myself I yield to my accuser as judge. I forfeit my spiritual right of protection, for He (my accuser) rises above me in the realm of the spirit as I answer His criticism. His influence is elevated by my self-defense. By attempting to prove my innocence, I am at the mercy of my accuser.

 

1 Peter 2:23 -- "He (Jesus) did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."