We think we know what we have often heard. We tend to think we have progressed past what has frequently been said within our hearing. And yet, this is how the cancer of self-deception works. James tells us that those who hear without doing are self-deceived. And the more they hear, the more they think they are doing.
When someone comes to tell them that they have not lived up to these basic lessons, they mock the teacher as a repetitive, droning and boring teacher—just as the Israelites mocked Isaiah. Who is he trying to teach? Children just weaned? Does he think this is an intro catechism class? Why the line on line, precept on precept stuff? We know that. We have heard it all our lives.
I want address this exhortation to the covenant children growing up in our midst. Because your parents have done what they ought to have done, because you have been growing up to maturity in this church, where we have sought to keep the Word central, you have heard the basics of the Faith countless times. “Jesus died for you. He rose from the dead. Love one another. Be ye kind one to another.” Yes, I know, we’ve heard it before. Roll of the eyes.
Isaiah tells us that this reaction wins the covenant chastisement of God. So then, the Word will become to them line on line, precept on precept. Why? So that they might go and fall backward, be broken, snared, and captured.
Real faith is your glory. Presumption is your enemy. What is the difference? Faith works its way out in love, specifically for your sisters and brothers. Presumption never does this. And so I have something brand new to teach you, the oldest truth in the world, a new commandment to deliver unto you. Love one another.