A contrast of two types of People

 Read Isaiah 65.

After a chapter and a half of prayer, asking for God's intervention, He responds. 

Even though God chose to unfold His story of redemption through the family of Abraham, the LORD has always been available to all people of every nation.  In these opening verses, consider the depiction of God's message for the Gentiles.  He calls to them, "Here I am." 

To Israel, His arms are open wide "all the day."  But of these whom He chose to bear His name to the world, God only sees rebellion.  In acts of blatant self-righteousness, they made up their own religion for life-guidance and worship.  Instead of humility before the LORD, they felt their way to be better.  So much so that verse 5 is the origin of the phrase "holier than thou."

Regardless of nationality, God divides humanity into two types of people.
1. Those who seek Him. (v.10)
A relationship with the LORD is waiting for those who seek Him.  As the Good Shepherd, He leads His people like a flock into safe places.  He provides for their needs.

2. Those who do not seek Him. (v.11-12)
The consequences are severe.  Why is there such harshness in this wording?  Note the three times God says "did not."   "Because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in my eyes and chose what I did not delight in."

The contrast of the diverse futures for these two continues in verses 13-16.

Every person who ever lived fits into one of these two types of people.  "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36)

 

Praying and Waiting

 Read Isaiah 64.

This prophetic prayer that began in chapter 63 continues.  The wording looks forward to a believing Jewish remnant of captives calling out to God for His presence and power.

It will be no secret as to why they ended up in Babylon and why their homeland was destroyed.  Even the burning of Solomon's Temple is mentioned in verse 11.  The cause of these losses was due to their disobedience to God.  Separated from God, their best self-efforts could never atone for their sin.
"We have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.  We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." (v.6)

In humility, they will come to realize the sovereignty of the LORD and they will desire to surrender themselves to Him completely.  They will call Him "our Father", emphasizing a personal relationship.  They will refer to themselves as a clay in the potter's hand.  (v.8)

Such restoration for which they cry is a spiritual work that only God can do.  It does not happen through natural means.  "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you..." (v.4a)  Jesus compared the work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life like wind blowing through the trees (John 3:8).  We cannot see the Spirit; only the effects.  The Apostle Paul referred to Isaiah 64:4a in 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 and then stated in the rest of the sentence, "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit."  That is wonderful news for believers in Jesus today.

Now more good news.  God "acts for those who wait for him.  You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways" (vv.4-5a).  Calling upon God in such a manner and depending upon Him will be worth the wait.

 

God keeps His Promises

 Read Isaiah 63.

Not every promise in the Bible is one we want to claim.  God in His faithfulness has or will fulfill every one of them.  This chapter contains three promised messages.

1.  The Promised Punishment of Enemies. (vv.1-6)
Not everyone will be glad when Jesus comes the second time.  Israel will experience a spiritual revival and national restoration.  But the enemies of God will experience His vengeance.  The passage describes the Messiah having come from a bloody battle, where He alone fought against the opposition.  The awesome appearance of Jesus in Revelation 19 states, "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God....From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations..." (Revelation 19:13-15)

2.  The Promised Punishment of Judah. (vv.7-14)
Isaiah wrote this about a hundred years in advance to help those who would be experiencing the Babylonian captivity to understand what happened to them.  He reminded Judah of God's "steadfast love," His "great goodness," His "compassion," and His "pity" for them.  The LORD consistently provided deliverance for the nation during their times of trouble and affliction.  But despite all that He had done, "they rebelled" (v.10).  This was not an organized demonstration against God, but a rebellion of the heart displayed in their disobedient life.  They "grieved his Holy Spirit."  This is the only time that phrase appears in the Old Testament.  The Apostle Paul warned believers not to "grieve the Holy Spirit of God" by speaking in an unkind and unforgiving manner (Ephesians 4:29-32).

3.   The Prophesied Prayer of Judah. (vv.15-19)
The prayer for the nation begins here and continues into chapter 64.  It is a cry for God to show His power.  Their petition is based upon the unconditional promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 12 (v.16).  The LORD is referred to as "our Father" and "our Redeemer" (v.16).  Though this was written far in advance, Isaiah mentioned that Solomon's beautiful Temple will be "trampled down" by the Babylonians.  With all their losses, the nation will appear as if they never had a relationship with God. 

Gratefully, for us, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)  Live according to that promise today.

 

What's in a Name?

 Read Isaiah 62. 

When Messiah restores Israel, the nation will shine as a light to the entire world and will serve as a crowning adornment to God's work in the world (vv.1-3).

Names in the Bible were given based upon their meaning.  Israel and the Jews in particular, have been described in many ways over the centuries.  Some of them such as "forsaken" or “deserted” (v.4 and v.12) were used because it appeared that God had left them.  That was not true, of course.  It was their sin that separated them from God.  But when Jesus establishes His rule in Jerusalem, they will be known by a set of new names.

Though these are prophecies to be literally fulfilled in the Millennium, there are direct spiritual applications to all those who personally know the LORD.

1. My Delight is in Her. (v.4)
Nationally, the visible, reigning presence of Christ in Jerusalem will be proof enough of this name. 
Personally, the psalmist wrote: "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19)

2. Married. (v.4-5)
Nationally: The word is actually "Beulah."  In that day, Israel will be a place of peace and joy.  People will flock to live in the land and be committed to it as a married couple is to each other.
Personally: The marriage commitment is to reflect our relationship with Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32). 

3. The Holy People. (v.12a)
Nationally: Because of their personal faith in the Messiah, He  will set them apart to Himself as a sacred people.
Personally: The Apostle Peter declared concerning those who place their faith in Christ: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called out you of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

4. The Redeemed of the LORD. (v.12b)
Nationally: In the Old Testament, the law required a kinsman to buy back the person or property that needed to be delivered from an encumberment, such as a lien or even slavery.
Personally:  "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

5. Sought Out. (v.12c)
Nationally: Instead of being opposed and despised by the world, nations will flock to Israel to bring their wealth and to worship. 
Personally: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you; yet, do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)

 

Prophecy partly Fulfilled

 Read Isaiah 61.

This chapter unfolds the actions of the coming Messiah and His restoration of believing Israel.  All three persons of the Trinity are present in the first verse: The Spirit, The Lord God, the Messiah. 

According to Luke 4, Jesus attended the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath.  Jesus read the Scriptures that day Isaiah 61:1-2a.  Then, something unusual took place.  Even when He sat down, the people silently stared at Him.  Jesus broke the silence and said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 

There can be absolutely no doubt that Jesus claimed to be the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God.  The people in Luke 4 clearly understood His claim and it angered them.

Note that Jesus did not read the entire passage but stopped in the middle of Isaiah's declarative statements.  This points to the fact that Jesus fulfilled verses 1-2a in His first coming and the rest would take place when He comes again.

There are seven statements of Messiah message and ministry. 
1. In His first advent as Savior, He came to proclaim good news, to heal, and free people from their spiritual bondage.

2. In His second advent as King of Kings, He will take vengeance on the enemies of God, bringing comfort and restoration to Israel.

God's purpose is that they will serve Him and minister to the rest of the world.  They will stand as God's chosen people.  "So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations." (v.11b).

 

The hope of Israel and joy to the World

 Read Isaiah 60.

Certainly, the captured and scattered people of Israel were looking forward to better days ahead.  But none of the events of their return under Persian rule, nor any time since, can account for the prophecies in this chapter.  Indeed, the Jews continued to be under someone else's rule until 1948.  And, the promised days of prosperity, world homage, and peace have yet to be fulfilled.

When the Messiah returns and establishes His rule in Jerusalem, here is what the nation of Israel will be like.
1. Worldwide Ministry. (vv.1-3)
"Arise and shine."  Israel will not only embrace Jesus as LORD, but the nation they will reflect His glory to the world.  They will literally be attracting the world to Jesus.

2. Worldwide Honor. (vv.4-13)
"Lift up your eyes."  A new Temple will be erected in Jerusalem.  World leaders will come to serve the interests of Israel.  The world's abundance will flow toward this one small land.  The purpose will be for "the praises of the LORD" (v.6), "to beautify my beautiful house" (v.7 and 13).

3. Worldwide Peace. (vv.14-18)
All Israel's enemies will be coming in great humility and acknowledgement of Messiah's reign over them.  With the Prince of Peace in place, world peace will finally be a reality.  God's purpose is not political but "you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob" (v.16b).
The entire nation will be right with God and disputes over the land with its Biblical boundaries will no longer be an issue.  Why?  So "that I might be glorified" (v.21).

How soon will this happen?  "I am the LORD, in its time I will hasten it" (v.22b).  The Disciples knew these prophecies and after the resurrection asked Jesus, "'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?'  He said to them, 'It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority."  Then, Jesus ascended to heaven as they watched.  Two angels declared, "This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:6-11). 

Today, we look forward to the literal, visible, powerful, personal, and royal return of Christ.

 

If you are not feeling close to God

 Read Isaiah 59.

If you are not feeling close to God, what is the problem?

God had not lost His power to deliver the nation of Israel.  God had not become hard of hearing to their cries for help (v.1).

Humans have a problem.  God calls it sin.  And, it is our personal sin that separates us from a Holy God (v.2).  The LORD names some of the evil and disobedient acts of the people.  As a result, they could find no "peace" (v.8).  Because of their corrupt spiritual condition, the nation knew no "justice" (v.9).  It is described as a dark time in their history.  Like blind men who were lost, they could find no way out (v.10).  All they could do was complain about it (v.11).  It was impossible for them to fix their guilt (v.12).  And, there was no one to intercede for them to make it right (v.16).   

People are helpless to save themselves.  There is no system whereby one may earn merit with God and their way into heaven.  God alone can forgive sin.  When one is willing to come to the LORD, confessing their sin, and seeking His forgiveness, He immediately supplies what is needed. 

When Israel finally turns to the LORD, the promise is that they will be right with God and He will provide spiritual salvation and national deliverance from their enemies.  God receives no glory from sin.  His purpose in offering this to them is so that the other nations "shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun" (v.19).

When Messiah returns He will enter Jerusalem as Israel's Redeemer and Restorer.  At that time Jesus will fully implement the New Covenant for the nation.  He will pour out His Spirit upon them and God's word will be in everyone.

It is the same for us today.  Our sin separates us from the LORD.  He has already paid the price for our salvation.  "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”  (James 4:8)