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.
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