Resources/Articles
Getting God's Attention
Children have this need to be at the forefront of their parents’ affection. To make sure of this, a child may say, “Look, Daddy!”, “Watch this, Mommy!”, “Did you see what I did?”, “I made this for you!” Israel made an effort to do the same with their sacrifices and buildings. God asked them in Isaiah 66:1,2, “What manner of house will ye build unto me? And what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made…” God just bursted Israel’s bubble. Jesus approached others who viewed their “many mighty works” of prophesying and casting out demons as something that would get God’s attention (Matthew 7:22). Jesus said, “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (v. 23).
No building, program, miracle crusade, or hollow practice of piety will get God’s attention. What will turn His head? “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).
The Poor Man
Man needs to see, as Paul humbly accepted, that man’s wisdom, boastful spirit, and persuasive words are NOT the power that impresses God, or that He used to impress others (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). All men need to be reconciled to this fact. We are all spiritually bankrupt before God. Faith directed by God’s word, which lovingly obeys His will, is the answer to a holy relationship with the Father.
Proud looks and hardened spirits will not receive God’s attention. He urges everyone to receive with meekness the implanted Word that they be saved (James 1:21). Once a person realized his ways are unable to please God, he has no alternative but the grace, mercy, love, and the will of God. The sooner he humbles himself to this spirit, he will get God’s attention.
A Contrite Spirit
A contrite spirit is a broken spirit moved by his sins. Moved to sorrow and moved to find a remedy for them. The selfish and proud never see what their sins do to them or others. “WHat I do doesn’t hurt anyone!” they might say.
David best illustrates what a broken spirit is and what sin does to self and others. When you study Psalm 51:1-17, you will witness a person who needs help, not necessarily because he is caught in adultery, deception, and murder. He is moved to sorrow and a broken spirit, because his sin has affected his relationship with God and others. It affected the whole nation (2 Samuel 12:12-14). This contrite spirit gets God’s attention, if it comes from a person who has turned to the Lord, not because he has rent only his garment, but his heart also (Joel 2:13).
Trembling At God’s Word
Trembling at the word of God is not agreeing with God in some areas of instruction and disagreeing with Him in other areas, as King Saul did (1 Samuel 15:1-23). We should agree with God’s word at all times. Trembling at His word is not saying, “Look, God! I came to worship today!” or “Watch, God, I’m teaching a class!” Let us view our obedience as an effort to please Him in all things. This was Jesus’ attitude in John 8:29. “I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” It is from our honor of God’s majesty and glory that we obey Him. We tremble at His word and dare not disobey. That attitude gets God’s attention.
