Isaiah 59. God’s Gifts to Us: Repentance, Redemption, Salvation, Spirit.

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Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

 

Isaiah 59.

This highlights in a very straightforward manner the cycle of sin, acknowledgment of wrongdoing which leads to repentance, and His gracious redemption.

Sin. 
“Your sins are the roadblock between you and your God. That’s why he doesn’t answer your prayers or let you see his face.” (v2, CEV). That’s pretty significant, isn’t it? Ever wonder why your prayers might not be answered? I’m not saying this is the reason behind every non-answer from God. But, examining our own heart might be a first step towards hearing from Heaven.

Confession/ Repentance.
“Our wrongdoings pile up before you, God, our sins stand up and accuse us. Our wrongdoings stare us down; we know in detail what we’ve done: Mocking and denying God, not following our God, Spreading false rumors, inciting sedition, pregnant with lies, muttering malice. Justice is beaten back, Righteousness is banished to the sidelines, Truth staggers down the street, Honesty is nowhere to be found, Good is missing in action. Anyone renouncing evil is beaten and robbed.” (v12-15, MSG). We live in an evil time, as did Isaiah. The key to a right standing with God is getting to a place where we can see our sin and repent. Turning toward God starts in a posture of humility and confession.

Redemption.
“God looked and saw evil looming on the horizon – so much evil and no sign of Justice… so He did it Himself, took on the work of Salvation, fueled by His own righteousness.” (v15, MSG). The Almighty turned to His one and only Son to provide our redemption. Thank you, God! “For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” (John 3:16, TPT). Yep! He did it Himself. Wow!

Our Future.
“The Lord has promised to rescue the city of Zion and Jacob’s descendants who turn from sin.  The Lord says: “My people, I promise to give you my Spirit and my message. These will be my gifts to you and your families forever. I, the LORD, have spoken.”” (v20-21, CEV).

Let us all be thankful for His work of redemption through Jesus and the promise of His Spirit to us all!

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.
(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 5

Posted on by richlyspeaking

Isaiah 5 7

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah. Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

There is a sad day coming, and some might ask if it’s not already here?

Isaiah opens this chapter with a hope that God has for His people. He has created a vineyard and tended it with care. “I had hoped for honesty and justice, but dishonesty and cries for mercy were all I found.” (v. 17 CEV). All God asks is that we, His children, live holy lives. Because He is holy. Yes, that might be a tall order, but can’t we at least try?

Some have said that we live in a time right now when “evil is called good and good is called evil.” This is right out of this chapter!

“Doom to you who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness… doom to you who think you are so smart.” (v 20-21 MSG).

Oh, we are doomed! Walk down the streets of any city, read the daily news, this IS an evil, vile generation. May our prayer be “Forgive us, Lord! Bring conviction on us, God. Bring peace. Bring your children, your people, all of us, to repentance!”

Isaiah continues: “They make sure their banquets are well-furnished… but they’ll have nothing to do with the work of God. Pay no mind to what He is doing.” (v 15 MSG).

We must find a way to turn this world around! It will only be by God’s care and grace! Or else: “Every light in the sky will be blacked out by the clouds.” (v 30 MSG).

Isaiah is shouting a warning siren that has fallen on deaf ears. Even today. This is very sad.

There is hope! We can be saved. But we must first admit that God is holy and we are not. Can we do that? Can we live justly and honestly before God and man?

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.