PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Isaiah 65-66
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“These are the ones I look on with favor…” (Isaiah 66:2)
These two chapters contrast those who are good and those who are wicked.
All of us are sinners, but some pursue goodness while others pursue wickedness.
Isaiah dreams of the day when God will judge the wicked and lift up the good.
But which are which, what constitutes the goodness God favours?
“Those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)
Notice that it is the motivation of the heart, and not the perfection of obedience.
God is pleased by those who humbly admit that they fall short of his goodness.
They love God’s Law – to love God and neighbour – and listen to scripture seriously.
To tremble does not mean cower in fear, but take God’s will very seriously.
God’s plan for creation is a kingdom paradise where everyone loves God and people.
In a world like this, there will be no sorrow but great joy shared by all.
Those who humbly, sincerely surrender to God’s will for love are favoured by God.
We all fall short of the glory of God, but some people humbly seek to do better.
Jesus invites us all to humbly repent and humbly seek God’s love-shaped kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, it is not the perfect but the humble that you favour. Humble me and help me to pursue love – for God and for all people. May your kingdom come!
There is both serious condemnation and judgement and a picture of hope. How will I find hope? Hope is in the Lord – the prophet writes: “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” The awful pictures of destruction for the disobedient and the beautiful pictures of hope for those who are contrite and seek the Lord – serve that it is critical that I get it right – I need to tremble out of respect – not to take the Lord’s promises lightly or neglectfully – but to submit fully to the Lord. Lord Jesus, take me as I am – a sinner in need of your salvation!
The passage reminds me of Jesus standing at the door, knocking. However, the response of the obstinate people continually go their own way doing what is right in their own eyes, provoking the Lord. God is with His people who acknowledge Him, who bring joy to the land for the joy of the Lord God is their strength. I need to be a faithful servant, serving in His Kingdom doing what is right in His eyes. I need to live for Jesus.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement,
Didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other master,
My heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.