Isaiah 57:1-21
Q.1. How differently will God treat the upright, from the way He will treat those who forget Him? What had Judah forgotten about God? To whom will God respond? – (Isa.57:1-15)
Only a few in Judah considered God. The Lord promised them – 1 … For the righteous man is taken away from evil, 2 He enters into peace; They rest in their beds, each one who walked in his upright way … and he who takes refuge in Me will inherit the land and will possess My holy mountain (Isa.57:1-2 & 13). However, Judah’s leaders were denounced for making sacrifices to God, while at the same time consulting idols. God accused them of lying, because they – did not remember Me nor give Me a thought (Isa.57:11). He urged them to remove their obstacles. He reminded them of Who He is, and how He operates – For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite (Isa.57:15). He will listen and respond to those who approach Him honestly and humbly.
Q.2. What made God’s promise to Judah unexpected? How will He deal with the one who repents? Is this grace also available to the wicked? – (Isa.57:16-21)
Judah as a nation had abandoned God and had worshipped other gods. We would expect God’s message to be unrelenting in His condemnation. However, God is not like that, and explained of Himself – 16 For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; For the spirit would grow faint before Me, and the breath of those whom I have made. 17 Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, and he went on turning away, in the way of his heart. 18 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners (Isa.57:16-18). Moreover, His grace will be extended – Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near (Isa.57:19). However, this promise does not apply to the wicked, who experience continual disturbance (Isa.57:20-21). How amazing is our God.