Living One: A Study of Integrity in Hebrewsනියැදිය

Day 3: Found too light

Following each stage of creation in Genesis 1, God gives a positive evaluation of what he has made: it is good. The last of these verses includes the entire, finished creation, including man. Very good is the broadest possible term of approval. Mankind was created perfectly in the image and likeness of God, to reflect his glory on the earth. God made humanity perfect in:

• Precision, like a masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship.
• Position, standing righteous before him.
• Proximity, dwelling in intimate relationship with him.
• Purity, pleasing him in both thought and deed.
• Purpose, appointed to rule as his representative.

However, as Paul explains, all have sinned and are now falling short of the original weight or perfection of God’s glory. Thus, when Isaiah saw the holiness of God, his gaze immediately turned inward to his own unworthiness. His response: “Woe is me!” He became profoundly aware that, in the presence of God, he was found too light—just as God’s hand wrote concerning King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:27 NIV).

Isaiah now saw that he was falling short in:

• Precision, as one distorted from the original design.
• Position, standing guilty before God.
• Proximity, alienated from his presence.
• Purity, incapable of pleasing him.
• Purpose, no longer fit to rule, but instead ruled by sin.

Isaiah felt not only the grief of his loss of glory, but the despair of his utter helplessness to restore it.

At salvation, sorrow for sin alone avails nothing. It is the recognition of our total inability to fix ourselves that becomes the seedbed in which faith can grow—a faith that trusts Jesus to grant new life. Even in our journey of sanctification, it is not confidence in our own ability, but the growing awareness of our inability that creates space for faith to rest in His finished work on our behalf.

Prayer Reflection

Thank You, Jesus, that where we are too light, You are enough. Teach us to rest, not in our ability, but in Your finished work. Renew our lives so that we may again reflect Your glory on the earth. Amen.