Isaiah 29

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:  vv13

I am not sure I understand the complexity of the strain between God and His people in this passage. There are a number of things that the people did to provoke God to jealousy. One of those things is mentioned in this verse, a word of caution for us who love the Lord and value His chief place in our life, lest we commit the same evil and provoke Him to righteous jealousy.

There is an evil that looks like righteousness, but it is merely a facade of well-spoken words. This evil is sung Sunday morning while attending God’s house.  This evil is perpetuated while agreeing with the sermon with a hearty “Amen!”  This evil is preached, even when the Word of God is being faithfully expounded.  This evil curses a congregation, even when the altars a full and prayers are being “said”.   Even when the Lord’s table is being served and all are in attendance, this evil causes the Lord Jesus to spew the taste of it from His mouth.

What is it?  It is the evil of mechanical and heartless worship.   It is knowing what to say to God without applying any genuine thought.  It is worship in truth but without spirit, therefore not worship at all, but merely a covering for a number of idolatries that lay underneath.