TheEnduring Wordcommentary tells us thatArielin Isaiah’s chapter 29:1-4 is a title that meansLion of God. The commentary explains that Ariel in this passage refers symbolically to Jerusalem. In other words, what we literally read in verse 1 is “Woe to Jerusalem.”

The commentary editors also note that Isaiah’s application of the term in this context is sarcastic. While the nameLion of Godis a fearsome and majestic title, Isaiah’s ironic implication is that the people of Jerusalem are woefully unworthy of any holy name. In fact, he usedArielas a tool of derision, essentially hurling out a prophetic exclamation, “How ridiculous and laughable that you would think of yourself as theLion of God!” Isaiah’s word was harsh because these people, by their rebellion, were destined to crash and burn as a nation. In no way were they entitled to the majesty or glory that the regal name from their past suggested.

Let’s draw a parallel to the Church today. Let’s think of our local body in particular and imagine what would happen if the Prophet Isaiah walked into the midst of our congregation and hung out for a month or two. He could join us on Sunday mornings for worship. He could follow us from spirited Sunday gatherings into the highways and byways of our daily lives. He could visit our homes and our workplaces.

We are honored to think of ourselves, as the New Testament identifies us, as theBody of Christ. At the end of Isaiah’s visit, would the anointed prophet discern that our witness is worthy of that title?

Fortunately, this is an exercise in imagination, and I don’t believe we have anything to worry under terms of the new covenant, because the work of the Cross is complete, and so are we. But examining our lives to make sure that we’re worthy of the nameBody of Christis important. Even though Christ will never take our salvation back, the motivation and prompting of the grace we received should motivate us to live out our calling in fullness. May no one ever declare “Woe to the Body of Christ, the church that Jesus bought,” because of our actions!