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)
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