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 superior.  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 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.

As we have read before, the prophets often could not see the time periods between future events and, therefore, Isaiah blended some things together.  While verse 17 is quoted in Revelation 21:1, the details are different.  Isaiah's description of the future here is earthly and is consistent with the Millennial Kingdom.  Revelation 21 is definitely a heavenly, an eternal place.  Those who know the LORD will enjoy both!

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)