Noise can sound like faith but a lot of it can be empty or without substance.
Generally, I cannot stand noise, except on rare occasions when I sense that it is prompted by the Spirit of God. Such noise can be pleasant and it speaks for itself. But can I say categorically that a lot of so-called Pentecostal noise is tasteless and offensive, and that is because they are devoid of sincerity and therefore a false face. We will recall the kind of noise they made in camp of Israel on the day the ark of the covenant was brought to the front during a major face-off with the Philistines. This was in the days of Eli. God was not with Israel in that battle and the people sensed it, so they decided to fetch the ark, an act they thought would compel the Lord’s arms to fight for them. The noise rang out through sheer emotion to the extent that their enemies were enveloped with fear, but it was just noise without substance. Amounting to a mere exercise in self-deception.
Many believe they can dip themselves into God’s service without actually living for God in private, and that somehow would win them divine credence. Activity can be carried out frenetically in the Lord’s name without godly results or impact. If anything, they will diminish the gains already made by the kingdom of God.
Another type of offensive noise is to engage in public acts of love but without a godly motive. Despite all the outward denominational drapes, anyone can smell it. They come across as most repugnant.
Our passage today in Luke chapter 10, 25-37 tells of a lawyer who came to Jesus pretending he was a genuine seeker. The question he asked sounded honest enough unless you could read lips! Which Jesus did. His request: What must I do to inherit everlasting life?
The Lord asked him about the position of the law of Moses regarding the matter; his response showed that he was well acquainted with the word of God, except that his mission was impure. And because he would not put off his mask, Jesus gave a parable that juxtaposed honest faith with hypocrisy, and it was meant to reveal him to him.
I doubt that this fellow, at least on this occasion, was acting on behalf of others, as we find in similar cases where questions put to the Lord were a camouflage for deeper deceit. This merely is someone looking for credence. He sought approval outwardly because in essence he had nothing to approve of.
I hope honestly that the man was able to make the right meaning out of what Jesus was saying to him indirectly through the parable.
Many times, this man is a mirror of ourselves. While others may read your intention wrongly, what the Lord says to you about you is infallible. And this we must do constantly: to desire Him to reveal us to us. Have I somehow lapsed into hypocrisy? What is the quality of my intention? Is my service genuine or a mere show to win approbation, like the treacherous Amalekite who sought to enter into the inner circle of David by devious means on the day King Saul died?