ESOCS Devotional 20 February 2026 – The Man After God’s Heart
MEMORY VERSE: “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2 KJV
TEXT: ISAIAH 66:1-12
Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the Lord.
“But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.
3 “He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck;
He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood;
He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.
Just as they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,
4 So will I choose their delusions,
And bring their fears on them;
Because, when I called, no one answered,
When I spoke they did not hear;
But they did evil before My eyes,
And chose that in which I do not delight.”
5 Hear the word of the Lord,
You who tremble at His word:
“Your brethren who hated you,
Who cast you out for My name’s sake, said,
‘Let the Lord be glorified,
That we may see your joy.’
But they shall be ashamed.”
6 The sound of noise from the city!
A voice from the temple!
The voice of the Lord,
Who fully repays His enemies!
7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth;
Before her pain came,
She delivered a male child.
8 Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.
9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord.
“Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.
10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem,
And be glad with her, all you who love her;
Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her;
11 That you may feed and be satisfied
With the consolation of her bosom,
That you may drink deeply and be delighted
With the abundance of her glory.”
12 For thus says the Lord:
“Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,
And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.
Then you shall feed;
On her sides shall you be carried,
And be dandled on her knees.
READ OTHER ESOCS DEVOTIONAL HERE
First, the Lord says that He will look to “the one who is humble.” This word “humble” (Hebrew ani) means to be poor, afflicted, needy, and wretched. It conveys the idea of one who is lowly. God is not speaking of a short physical stature but of the lowliness of heart that He requires of His servants. We entered His Kingdom with a step of humble faith. Likewise, we will grow in usefulness to God only, as we increasingly lower ourselves before Him and walk in humility.
Second, God looks to the one who is “contrite of spirit.” The word “contrite” (Hebrew nake) means one who is stricken or smitten. Rather than being puffed up and self-elevating, we are required to be as one who is broken and yielded to God under His mighty right hand. The word “spirit” (Hebrew ruah) indicates that this lifelong repentance must be cultivated in the depth of our being. This is not something that lies on the outward surface of our lives. Instead, it represents a lowly attitude in the innermost being of our soul.
Third, God says He will look to the one “who trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2). This means that we must take His Word very seriously. Whatever God says, we must embrace and take to heart. We must respond to what He says with reverential awe. High regard and deep respect must grip our souls. When we are rooted in “the fear of the Lord,” this fear will produce a sobering devotion to God within us. Simply put, God will honor the one who honors His Word.
Those who take His Word lightly will be passed over in His service. Those who are self-elevating will be set aside and forgotten. But those who submit themselves to the Lord will be used for His own purposes. Jesus succinctly stated, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14). Let us lower ourselves in His holy presence, so we may be raised up and find favor in His glorious sight.
Reflections
- Does the word of God find expression in your life always?
Prayer
- Dear Lord, keep us lowly at your feet that the one who has called us for His purpose may exalt us.
Further Reading: Micah. 5:5-End; John 7:40-End; 1 Corinthians 4:43-59
ESOCS Devotional 20 February 2026
