Read Isaiah 64 -- 66
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Our righteousness as filthy rags; prayer for God's presence; rebelliousness punished; rejoicing during the millennium
Most of the northern kingdom people were carried away captive by the Assyrians during the reign of wicked King Pekah (Isaiah 7:1; II Kings 15:27-29). Having witnessed the destruction of the northern kingdom before he came to the throne, undoubtedly godly King Hezekiah of the southern kingdom was greatly encouraged by the prophet Isaiah. Sadly, after Hezekiah's death, his son Manasseh became one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history (21:9).
During this time, the Word of God, as proclaimed by Isaiah, had been ignored and now God spoke through him these pitiful words: I have spread out My hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts (Isaiah 65:2). Although God had reached out to them, they had not responded to Him. They had gone their own ways. The Lord continued: I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears (dread, terrors) upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not (66:4).
The Apostle Paul quoted from Isaiah 64:4 to encourage the Corinthian church: It is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him (I Corinthians 2:9). The magnificence of His wisdom and glory are now revealed to us as we read His Word. Paul goes on to state that believers in Jesus as the Messiah also receive the very thoughts of Christ through the written Word of God. Through Isaiah, God declared future things which were later bestowed through the Messiah upon those that love Him. At any time, in any place, we may pray to our loving God. While we have an opportunity to serve Him, we should determine to make His will the priority in our lives.
To the small minority who remained faithful then, as well as to the minority of faithful today, Isaiah is saying: Hear the Word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His Word; Your brethren that hated (despised) you, that cast you out for My Name's sake . . . shall be ashamed. . . . For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river (Isaiah 66:5,12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; compare John 1:1-3; II Peter 3:13). As the One whose glory will be declared among the nations (Isaiah 66:18-19; Revelation 5:12-13).
Word Studies:
64:3 terrible => awesome; 64:11 are laid waste => have been destroyed; 65:14 howl for vexation of spirit => cry out in misery; 66:6 voice => sound.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Ora Anderson Government Officials: Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL) and Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN) Country: Cyprus (754,000) in the Middle East Major languages: Greek and Turkish No open evangelism or conversions to Christ 75% Greek Orthodox; 19% Muslim; 1% Protestant; 1% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Keep the Word of God and pray to Him who has given you an open door into His presence (Revelation 3:8).
Optional Reading: I Peter 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 4:7