January 27: ISAIAH’S ANGUISH

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence . . . Isaiah 64:1

Did Isaiah know that his writings would take the form of a miniature Bible? It is not likely. But as we approach the end of his book, we cannot help but detect his sense of deep sadness over the direction that his people had chosen for themselves. Could it really be that the children of Abraham, whose forefathers had praised and adored their heavenly Father, were now on the same level as the heathen? As those who refused to acknowledge His very existence?

This chapter (64) brings an unbroken continuation of the prayer that was begun in chapter 63. Isaiah is calling upon the LORD to manifest Himself to His people, his prayer being the cry of his heart on their behalf. Isaiah’s choice of words is not accidental. Entirely under the Holy Spirit’s leading, the prophet evokes imagery that matches that of the Apostle John as he described the return of Jesus: Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place (Revelation 6:14).

Isaiah continues: As fire burns brushwood, As fire causes water to boil—To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence! (Isaiah 64:2) These words of Peter come to mind: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10 – see also Isaiah 51:6).

Isaiah’s prayer—and his point of reference on the timeline—is a plea for redemption! The anguish and urgency displayed in his words reveal his understanding that the Lord, who is longsuffering, will not indefinitely allow sin and rebellion to continue. In the divine Plan of Salvation, there must be a limit—a stopping point—placed on evil. In our day, we are nearing that point at breakneck speed!

One of the most effective deceptions currently being put forth by the archdeceiver is that God can be separated from His law; that you can be His man or woman while ignoring His law. Nothing could be further from the truth. His soon-coming kingdom will be filled with joyful, free, law-abiding citizens. Glory to God!

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30

For further study: Genesis 15:1; Exodus 34:12; Psalm 91:2,7,8; Isaiah 26:20; Matthew 4:4; John 8:31; Acts 14:22; James 2:10; Revelation 12:17; 13:10; 14:12; 22:14