A prayer request is recorded in Isaiah 64 and God's response is in Isaiah 65. The prophet is praying that God would show up. You can sense his passion in verse one as he says: "Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence -" Verse four is powerful as the prophet declares: "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." What a awesome truth, God "acts for those who wait for him." and that is what Isaiah is asking for - God to act on their behalf. Their need is our need - we need God to show up and show himself strong on our behalf.
Chapter 65 is God's answer to Isaiah's prayer. The chapter can be summarized in one sentence. In this chapter God tells us that He seeks out those who do not know Him, He sorts out those who claim to know Him and He sets up a place for all who truly know Him.
Verses one and two makes it clear that God seeks out those who do not know Him. I love it where He says, "Here I am, here I am, to a nation that was not called by my name." What a gracious God who spreads out His hands "all the day to a rebellious people," (65:2) At the cradle, at the cross and through the Church God continues to say: "Here I am." Praise god He is still seeking out those who do not seek Him.
He also sorts out those who claim to know Him. In verses 2-16 we meet the Rebellious and the Remnant. God is quite capable of sorting them out one from the other. The rebellious are those who "walk in a way that is not good," and they are characterized by "following their own devices;" They have forsaken the Lord and forgotten their place of worship (v. 11). When God called out to them they "did not answer" and when He spoke they "did not listen." (v. 12). These people are destined for destruction. But thanks be to God that He always has a remnant. There are some good grapes on the cluster (v. 8). He will care for His remnant; they will eat, drink, rejoice and be glad. The opposite is true of the rebellious (vs. 13-16).
Finally we have confidence in the fact that a better day is coming because He is committed to set up a place for all who truly know Him. Verses 17-25 highlight the gladness, rejoicing and joy of the new heavens and new earth that he will create for his people. The Preacher's Commentary, on Isaiah, lists eight realities of this new creation; they are:
2. Life Span of 100 years or more (during the Millenium)
3. Private property will be owned, built upon, lived in and farmed WITHOUT TAXES or servitude.
4. Labor will be PRODUCTIVE
5. Families will be JOYFUL
6. God’s PRESENCE will assure INSTANT, two-way and responsive communication.
7. PEACE will prevail
8. The “Law of the Jungle” among animals will be transformed into a covenant of reconciliation and peace.
I like what Ray Ortlund wrote in his commentary on Isaiah. He challenges us not to live for the WEEKEND but for THE END - when he will make all things new!
What an awesome God who hears and answers our prayers. What a gracious God who comes and says: "Here I am." What a wise God who knows how to sort our the rebellious from the remnant and who can take care of His own. What a joy giving God who declares that he is creating a new heaven and new earth where "the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind." (v. 17) and that we can "be glad and rejoice forever".
Truly He is a God "who acts for those who wait for Him."
It was a rich blessing to share these truths with the Everett Springs Baptist Church family on Sunday.
With Gladness and Rejoicing,
Pastor Mike
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