Taking a Look at Isaiah

The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.”- Isaiah 57:15

            There are times in scripture when God says he either has been angry or IS angry with the Jewish people. He loved them anyway and met their needs just the same, however, the Lord truly seeks a humble and repentant heart; one that is turned toward him and seeks to live a life that is pleasing to him.  God’s patience was on full display with the nation of Israel. Verse 18 says, “I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway. I will lead them.” The Lord knows what all of us are doing every second of every day. Our motives are plain to him. Our thoughts are known as well. In spite of that he loves us.

            God may be disappointed or upset with us because of our thoughts, words and/or actions at any time, but he withholds punishment because of his great understanding that we are frail and fraught with ungodly ways. He means to teach us and lead in his ways, a universal standard that is fair and just for all peoples.  If he were to remain mad who could possible stand. Verse 16 states: “I will not always be angry. If I were, all people would pass away – all the souls I have made.”  

            Those who continue on in their stubborn ways shall find that God has withdrawn from them, leaving them to their own devices. Regardless of God’s patient kindness with those who have thus far rejected him, some will remain as a “restless sea, which is never still, but continually churns up mud and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked,”says my God. If you are remaining stubborn when all along you know the Lord wants you to be at another place in your spiritual maturation, let go of your selfish self and become humble and contrite toward him and his ways.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.