Monday, January 19, 2009

Isaiah 57:11

Isaiah 57 seems very heartfelt from God. It is primarily about Israel’s idolatry once more. However, whereas usually it focuses on humiliating Israel for their ways, and pronouncing judgment because of it, this chapter is more like God saying ‘I’m so sorry that you do this. Why do you do this? Return to me!’ At least, that’s the impression I got.

And of whom have you been afraid, or feared,
That you have lied
And not remembered Me,
Nor taken it to your heart?
Is it not because I have held My peace from of old
That you do not fear Me?’ (Isaiah 57:11)

God is ‘reasoning’ with the Israelites as to their present condition. He asks them why they no longer fear Him, and rather fear gods that have no life. He asks them why they no longer remember Him, the God who brought them out of Egypt and has loved them throughout their troubled history. Of course, He knows the answer, and the answer lays more guilt on the Israelites than the question. It is because God has held His peace, Has dealt with Israel mercifully, that they do not fear Him. Because God is ‘nice’ to them, they don’t fear Him and therefore forget Him! Now, you would think they would be the other way – the ‘nicer’ God is, the more you would want to remember Him, given that He gives you a better life!

This passage makes clear the necessity of God’s judgment. Of God’s righteousness. For if He were always merciful, then no-one would fear Him, and collectively, we would forget Him. But we know His grace so well because of the knowledge of His righteous judgment. However, He always deal mercifully with us (as Christians). So let us not make the same mistake as Israel, and take Him for granted. Neglect His demands and commandments because of His grace. Let us remember our God of infinite mercy, in the light of His infinite judgment!

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