the Third Week after Easter
Click to donate today!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Isaiah 65:1-12
"I am found of them that sought me not . . ." writes Isaiah with devastating boldness. This is the expression which Paul uses in quoting v. 1 to the Romans (Romans 10:20). Under the dictates of the Spirit, the prophet is here in fact clearly opening the door to the nations, who did not seek God and were not called by His name (Isaiah 49:6): a bold, not to say revolutionary, declaration to the ears of the Israelites who were so jealous of their privileges. This forms part of the things "not heard" mentioned in the preceding chapter.
The confession and supplications of the poor remnant were drawing to a conclusion with the anguished question, "Wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?" (Isaiah 64:12). No, it is never in vain that a repentant heart turns to the Lord (Psalms 51:17). Each one of us knows this by experience.
So God will not keep silent. He speaks and continues until practically the end of the book. Yet, before revealing "what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him" (His elect and His servants; vv. 9, 10; Isaiah 64:4), He must pronounce the final condemnation, not only of Israel’s enemies but also of the bulk of the apostate and "rebellious people" (v. 2).
