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Daily Devotion: Isaiah 65:1-3

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Isaiah 65:1-3     "I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.  (2)  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;  (3)  A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick"

Although I did not intend to go verse by verse when I began this study of Isaiah, there are many things that are contained in the book that I felt the need to address. This was for my own sake, probably more than anyone else's. It has been said that the book of Isaiah is a little Bible within the Bible. There are 66 books in the Bible and 66 chapters in Isaiah. There are 39 books in the Old Testament and the first 39 chapters of Isaiah speak concerning the things of the law. There are 27 books in the New Testament and the final 27 chapters of the book of Isaiah correspond to the teachings of the grace of God shown in the New Testament. We are getting close to the end of the book of Isaiah and these verses are applied to us today as much as ever - both in the positive and the negative aspect.

Today's verse is a prophecy concerning the Gentiles being brought into the understanding of the work of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes this is presented as though God went to "Plan B" in bringing the Gentiles into the Kingdom. But Isaiah directly speaks of that happening here in the 65th Chapter. It is also taught in other places in the Old Testament. God's plan was always to bring the Gentiles to the place of understanding. Paul speaks of this mystery in Ephesians chapter 3 also. God speaks of  Israel as a "rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts." The history of Israel in the Old Testament shows cycles of walking in obedience unto the Lord and then turning and walking away from Him. Doesn't this show us a pattern that is exhibited in human nature throughout all history? We all tend to have those moments when we feel the hand of God upon us, but other times when we wander away. Be assured, God will always have a people who worship Him in Spirit and truth. Lord, I want to be in that number.

The Lord willing, we will look at verse three tomorrow. It demands our full attention. Today, I want to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to walk as close to my Lord as possible. How about you?

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