Isaiah 65:1-25

There is a cause and effect to our lives and our relationship with the Lord.  God does not always respond in an automated reactionary way to our actions like people imagine or expect.  Nor does God sit by without response forever.  One thing about which we can be sure is that there will be consequences for how we respond to what He has revealed to us.  God had revealed Himself to the nation of Israel in an unprecedented manner; yet they refused to obey Him.  This disobedience was about to bring about some very undesirable effects.  However, God still has His people and His plan that He will accomplish in His time.

THE REBELLIOUS WILL BE REJECTED: God has called people to Himself throughout the history of the world and especially with the nation of Israel.  He made them a great nation from nothing.  He revealed His will to them through the Law and prophets.  He called them to Himself.  But they would not hear or respond to Him.  Instead they worshiped idols; disobeyed God’s Word and all the while called themselves holy.  God has had it with this rebellion.  They are like smoke in His nostrils and His wrath has been kindled.  He will reject them, and punish them for their rebellion.  The iniquities of the nation will come down upon them.  God’s judgment may not be immediate because of His grace and mercy but it is inevitable for all who rebel against the Lord.

THE REMNANT WILL BE RESTORED: There is within every nation a remnant of people who have not followed the way of rebellion.  So it shall be that within the nation of Israel there will be a remnant of people who fear the Lord and will be restored to the land of their fathers.  They will possess the land and live securely within the land.  The rebellious will hunger and thirst while the remnant of the faithful will be well supplied.  They will be glad and celebrate the wonders of the Lord as they worship Him.  No matter how dark things may seem and how bleak the spiritual condition of a nation may seem, God still has a plan for His people and He will see it through according to His purpose.  He always has a remnant of faithful followers with whom He will fulfill His promises.


THE RIGHTEOUS WILL BE REJOICING: A glorious day is coming where the earth and heavens will be renewed.  God is preparing a glorious place for the righteous who have trusted the Lord Jesus.  This is a place of great rejoicing and constant worship.  Jerusalem will be a place of joy and worship.  This seems to be a description of the millennial kingdom of our Lord that will lead naturally into our eternal dwelling with Him.  The ages of men on earth will be prolonged just like the pre-flood earth.  There will still be death and sin in this earthly kingdom but only under the righteous Judge, Jesus.  The people will be completely secure in their land that will produce abundantly.  They will enjoy perfect fellowship with the Lord and even the animals will be at peace with one another.  This is a foretaste of heaven on earth and will be at time of great rejoicing on this planet.

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