“For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generation.”
(Isaiah 51:8)
We naturally desire acceptance and approval from others, so the possibility of being mocked or rejected, criticized or rebuked usually bothers us more than it should.
We become anxious over what others think of us. We hesitate to obey God because we fear criticism or rejection. We remain silent when we should speak, compromise when we should stand firm, and become discouraged because of the reproaches of others.
Yet those whose opinions we so highly value are themselves similarly flawed. Whatever power they may now appear to have is only temporary, their judgments are imperfect, and their voices will soon be silenced.[1] “The moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool.”
God reminds us in this passage that all human glory is fading. And in particular, those who mock the people of God, oppose the truth, and despise holiness are as fragile as worn-out garments. Time and death will consume them.
And yet, while every earthly thing is temporary, His salvation remains from generation to generation. His truth never grows old. His promises never lose their power. The salvation He accomplished in Christ remains secure forever. Every believer who rests in Christ possesses a treasure that cannot be consumed by moths, corrupted by time, or destroyed by death because only what is found in God remains forever.
God calls His people to live with an eternal perspective, like an unchangeable upward graph that extends into eternity. The opinions of men are not the final judgment. The reproaches of the world are not the final verdict. The applause of society is not the true measure of success. The only judgment that finally matters is the judgment of God.
If we suffer reproach for righteousness’ sake, such reproach is only temporary because those who oppose the truth are themselves passing away. But blessed is the one who fears God more than man, values Christ more than reputation, and treasures eternal salvation above earthly comfort, for that one has something moth and worm can never destroy.
Contemplations:
- My Desire For Human Approval. I often care too much about what other people think of me. Their opinions can influence how I feel and shape my decisions more than they should. I need to remember that human approval is of little value and that I live before the face of God.
- The Passing Nature Of Earthly Things. Everything around me is fading. Possessions, strength, opportunities, and even my present circumstances will one day pass away. I need to hold these things with open hands and remember that only what belongs to Christ will remain forever.
- My Fear Of Reproach. I don’t enjoy criticism or rejection. I would rather be accepted than opposed. Yet if I follow Christ faithfully, there may be times when reproach comes. I want to learn to value obedience to God more than the praise of men.
- Resting In An Eternal Salvation. The salvation God has given in Christ is secure and everlasting. My circumstances change, my feelings fluctuate, and the world around me passes away, but the righteousness of God and His saving grace remain forever. This gives my soul confidence and peace.
Prayer (Confession):
Merciful Father, I confess that I have often feared man more than I have feared You. I have been too concerned with my reputation and too troubled by the opinions of others. I have desired human approval and allowed earthly concerns to occupy too much of my heart.
Forgive me for loving temporary things more than eternal realities. Forgive me for clinging to comforts that cannot last and for forgetting how quickly this world passes away. I confess that I have often acted as though the praise or criticism of others mattered more than Your holy judgment.
Pardon me for my unbelief and my weakness. Strengthen my heart to value Your approval above all else. Teach me to remember that the world and all its glory are fading, but Your righteousness and salvation endure forever.
Help me set my affections on things above. Make me willing to bear reproach for Christ’s sake if You should call me to do so. Deliver me from the fear of man and from every inordinate attachment to earthly things.
Thank You that Your salvation is everlasting and that Your promises cannot fail. Let the certainty of Your eternal righteousness steady my heart and lead me to walk faithfully before You.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
Isa. 50:9; Job 13:28; Hosea 5:12; Mark 5:27
[1] John Flavel, The Whole Works of the Reverend John Flavel, vol. 6 (London; Edinburgh; Dublin: W. Baynes and Son; Waugh and Innes; M. Keene, 1820), 55-56.
