Who Among Us?
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 33 and Psalm 119:121-128 (NIV)
(Jabez Fong, Pastoral Associate, Young Adults)
READ:
Isaiah 33:14-16 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Isaiah 33 begins by detailing the punishment that God would dish out on the enemies of His people. These enemies would be reduced to nothingness, and their strength would be proven worthless.
Yet in verse 14, the prophet’s attention rests on God’s people themselves, and the sinners within Zion – God’s own holy city – will be afraid. The reason for this is clear: in the presence of the consuming fire that is God, none who are sinful and godless will survive. But the verse ends by emphasising twice: who among us can dwell in God’s presence?
Verse 15 answers the question, pointing out those who are holy in deed and speech, who do not actively engage in sin, and who do not partake in anything that is party to sin. They are the ones who will be cared for by God who keeps them secure and meets their every need (v16).
APPLY:
I recognise that God is a holy God in whose presence no sin can stand unpunished. Scripture is replete with examples of people who have come face-to-face with God and have lost their lives.
In the presence of such holiness, how can sinful humans abide?
In the Old Testament, it was by ritual sacrifice, but for us who live post-New Testament, it is by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. It is not my own self-righteousness, but Christ’s sacrifice that has restored me to a right relationship with God, and I am thus able to approach God and live in His presence.
However, it is my duty to continue walking right in the presence of God, combating sin and killing it before it kills me. As I consider this, I am reminded that the only way to do this is by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who convicts me daily of sin and calls me to repentance.
DO:
I will remember daily Christ’s life, death, and resurrection that bought me new life, and seek to live a life that honours Him.
PRAY:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your son Jesus, through whom I no longer need to live in a spirit of fear, but can recognise that I am Your child. As I recognise my status in Your eyes, help me to live a life that glorifies and honours You, and let me not bring shame to my Lord. Amen.
