Taking a Look at Isaiah

“In his love and mercy he redeemed them. …But they rebelled against him and grieved his Holy Spirit. …Then they remembered those days of old when Moses led his people out of Egypt.” – Isaiah 63:9-11

            The mercy God showed the children of Israel is pretty amazing and clearly shows the never-ending love he has for them. If you want a clear indication of just how patient God is review the relationship he has with the Jews down thru the ages.  He is truly far more patient then any of us could ever hope to be.

            The Jews grieved the Holy Spirit by willfully hindering his leading thru disobedience and rebellion. It is very much like biting the hand that feeds you. In verse 8, the Lord said: “They are my very own people. Surely they will not betray me again.” But they did just as they had before. It’s much easier to simply obey to begin with then run away.  One of the most glaring examples of disobedience in the Old Testament was that of Jonah. When called upon to preach to the Ninivites that they might repent he boarded a ship that was sailing off in the opposite direction instead.  Even then God showed mercy to Jonah. The whale that could have eaten him was sent to transport him. 

            Here is a shining example of how important our memory is to us. Verse 11 starts by saying “Then they remembered … “.  They remembered all the wonderful and even miraculous things the Lord had repeatedly done for them and they prayed for God’s mercy and compassion once again and God gave it to them. This is a message to all believers past, present and future; there is nothing you could ever think, say or do that cannot be forgiven by God as long as you ask and determine to follow the leading of God’s Spirit rather than follow your own path. The Lord is always watching to guide and protect. Don’t tread on his grace. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller 

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.