READING THROUGH Devotions for Isaiah 57-66 By Scott DeVries

In Genesis 18:18 takes his call to be a blessing to all nations so seriously he even tries to bless Sodom. As spiritual children of Abraham we ought to feel similarly about spiritually dark places. We don’t condone wickedness, but we should desire that people be rescued into God’s grace. These devotions invite you to read through Isaiah and see how we are called to be a blessing to the nations.

Isaiah 56:9-57:21 What good is a blind watchman, a dog that cannot bark, or a shepherd as dumb as the sheep (56:1011)? All of these things are meant to protect, but if they are blind, mute, and foolish what protection could they possibly be? This was the state of God’s people. They were the watchmen for the world, the guard dogs, and the shepherds, but they became more interested in their own gain (56:11), more interested in drinking away each day (56:12). The world suffered because it was unguarded.

The suffering was so bad, in fact, that 57:12 says God was allowing the righteous to be killed off in order to spare them from evil. (This might make a wise person ponder if there isn’t a fate far worse than death—our culture doesn’t seem to think there is, but the does.)

But God still watches over His world. His watchmen have gone from negligent to perpe trating the evil they were supposed to guard against, yet it has not escaped God’s atten tion or concern. He will expose their falsehood and their idols will not save them (57:11 13). And yet God will also make a road between Himself and His world (57:14). God will live with the contrite and lowly in spirit (57:15), he will bring peace to those far and near and heal them (57:19). But for those who insist on wickedness there is no peace (57:21).

Dear Jesus, make our hearts contrite. You have given us the wisdom to shepherd and watch over this world, caring for it and leading it in your ways. But we are often negligent, and sometimes downright wicked. Forgive us. Change our hearts. And give us peace. Amen.

11 E. 32nd St., Holland, MI 49423 Office Phone: 3922635 In preparing to preach on this chapter I was blessed to dig a little deeper than most of Fax: 3928343 the others. Here is a synopsis of this part of Isaiah’s poem: Church email: [email protected] Preaching Pastor Rev. Dan Walcott’s email: [email protected] Tell God’s people their sins loud and clear (1) and they will begin to delight to learn Associate Pastor Rev. Scott DeVries’ email: [email protected] His ways (2). But the people wonder why God rejected their religion before (3a)? Worship Leader Christian Eastburn’s email: [email protected] Their fast was confused as to it’s purpose. They remained selffocused and self Calling Pastor Rev. Jake Heerema’s email: [email protected] serving instead of recognizing the pain of others. Will God hear them when they ig Director of Service & Outreach Kate Kern’s email: [email protected] nore others (3b4)? Is a fast just a matter of going through the motions (56a)? This is Website: www.bethanycrc.com a true fast: to attend to the needs of others (6b7). Then their religion will become a light (8) and God will answer their cries (9a). If they lift the souls of others, then their souls will be lifted (9b10). The LORD will saturate them with a sense of blessedness and 64 left us hanging with a repentant but no answer from God just yet (11) and they will be healers (12). If they find delight resting in God and not pursuing answered. In Isaiah 65 God begins to answer but His answer is not quite as expected. their own gain (13) then God will speak (create) delightful lives for them (14). is a great prayer for God’s mercy—for God to cut His justice short at correc There is a sense in which the whole thing could be summed up: If you are selfseeking tion and not carry it out to retribution. It’s a great thing to pray for, but it’s also a plea then God will not listen to your needs. If you seek the good of others, then God Himself that every parent is all too familiar with. Sometimes children have really gotten the point will seek your good. and learned their lesson far before the full price was paid. The young child who has to empty his piggy bank ( all his own money!) to pay for the broken window probably learns Lord, let us have hearts of compassion for those in need around us. You know very well his lesson sufficiently that he doesn’t need to go into dept for another 10 years to pay that we too have needs. Strengthen us to trust in you for our needs, that we might not be off the full cost. On the other hand, it might be beneficial to make a teenager pay off the distracted by them. Amen. full cost even if it means going into debt for a few months. And different children will require different measures of consequence in different situations. God has to take the same tact with people—only God knows exactly which tact is appropriate. This chapter contains a very deep description of the wages of sin. Sin separates us from God (v. 2) and leads us down a path away from shalom (v. 8). We end up looking for light, And God knows when people aren’t really learning their lesson at all. That’s what the but seeing only darkness (v. 9). Our offenses have driven back justice, held right living at first seven verses of Isaiah 65 are about. Sure the Israelites are crying out for mercy— a distance, tripped up honesty, and made prey of anyone trying to do the right thing (vv. no one likes being punished. But God knows that a lot of them haven’t learned their 1415). Finally God comes and opposes us directly (vv. 1619). lesson at all. He will not cut their punishment short, they will pay the full amount, He will even add their fathers’ debts to theirs! (vv. 67). Repeated frequently is the theme of justice. Sin is an offense against someone. Theologi ans sometimes compared sin to a rip. A rip is nothing in itself. A rip in a piece of paper is But some people, a minority it seems, do get it. And God will end their punishment at just what we call it when some force has cause the paper to lose it’s wholeness or integ the appropriate time—they will not have to pay back the full amount. Verses 816 com rity. Similarly sin is nothing in itself. Sin is just what we call it when we’ve caused God’s pare God’s treatment of the two groups. Some will be rescued and some will be con created goodness to lose it’s wholeness or integrity. Sin is a type of loss. A type of noth demned, and God knows exactly who deserves which. Verses 1725 finally break ingness that has somehow invaded a somethingness. A lie is a broken truth. Hatred is a through to the full rescue of those who will be rescued, and it’s a far more glorious res broken relationship. To injure is to inflict physical brokenness. Complaining and anxiety cue than they probably felt right to hope for. God’s mercy does come in the end, and are forms of broken trust/faith. When something is caused to be lost or broken it is an what a beautiful mercy it is! issue of justice. Isaiah 59 wisely points out that we cannot pursue sin and justice simulta neously. Lord Jesus, please do not stop correcting us until we truly understand and turn our hearts toward you. You know our hearts and our future even better than we do. Save us God will not turn a blind eye to injustice (v. 15b). He becomes a warrior of righteousness, from ourselves and all our desire for sin, and prepare us for the beautiful future that salvation, vengeance, and zeal (v. 17). We like the words righteousness and salvation, awaits your servants. Amen. vengeance and zeal are a bit uncomfortable. Zeal is easily accepted when we think of it as a passion for the wholeness and integrity that God meant for this world. We should be passionate for that! Vengeance is the action to restore that. Vengeance is the act of ren What a conclusion to the prophecies of Isaiah! The chapter begins where Isaiah 65 left dering the breaker incapable of breaking any longer. “It is mine to avenge,” says God in off, God sorting out His true people from those who only call themselves God’s. God Deut. 32:35 (cf. Rom. 12:19). Not because revenge is wrong, but because only God can sees through false religion and chooses those who are humble and contrite in spirit (vv. actually do it. Only God can restore justice where injustice has been done, because all 26). God will bring about a true community () of God’s people where they will injustice is primarily directed at God. He is the one who’s creation has been broken and be refreshed and cared for (vv. 714). But this will come about through God’s fiery judg lost. It is right and good that someday God will render those who break His world incapa ment which many will not survive (vv. 1517). In fact, it will be the need to judge that ble of doing so any longer. brings God back to show His glory (v. 18).

Lord, we are learning to love you and love the world you gave us to care for. Forgive us Yet out of God’s glorious judgment comes a message that gathers the lost from all na for our sins. Teach us not to break any longer—humble us to stop us from harming what tions (v. 19 ff.). Here we see the theme of our Isaiah sermon series come out again— we’re learning to love. And come quickly to stop anyone who will not be humbled. Amen. God cares about all the nations, and expects His people to spread that message. As the missionaries bring the world to God this will be like the true grain offering for God (v. 20). And God will secure His true people’s place in the new heavens and the new earth Darkness is powerful and people all over the world are trying to escape it. God promises forever (v. 22). And those who would oppose any of this will rot away endlessly (v. 24). His people that He will rise upon them and His glory will be their light (vv. 1,3,19,20). And all who are looking to escape the darkness will begin coming to them for light (v. 3). They Dear Jesus, we long to be a part of that new Jerusalem. We long for the new heavens will come bringing whatever riches they can bring with them, because light is priceless to and earth. Come quickly Lord. In the meantime, may we bring you the harvest of the them (vv. 414). nations. Amen.

And what is the light that Isaiah is prophesying? What is this glory of God? It is to be the And what is the light that Isaiah is prophesying? What is this glory of God? It is to be the “joy of all generations” (v. 15), to be ruled by peace and righteousness (v. 17), to live in a “joy of all generations” (v. 15), to be ruled by peace and righteousness (v. 17), to live in a fortress of salvation whose entrance is through praise (v. 18), and to have all their days fortress of salvation whose entrance is through praise (v. 18), and to have all their days of sorrow long behind them (v. 20). of sorrow long behind them (v. 20).

This all reminds me of something I occasionally tell myself if I begin worrying about the This all reminds me of something I occasionally tell myself if I begin worrying about the length of my life, “there is nothing on earth I wouldn’t rather do in heaven.” The end of my length of my life, “there is nothing on earth I wouldn’t rather do in heaven.” The end of my time, or even the end of all time, can be a scary thing to face. But there is light at each of time, or even the end of all time, can be a scary thing to face. But there is light at each of those ends. There is joy, peace, righteousness, salvation, praise, and the end of sorrow. those ends. There is joy, peace, righteousness, salvation, praise, and the end of sorrow. That is a very comforting thought and fills my heart with eager expectation instead of That is a very comforting thought and fills my heart with eager expectation instead of fear. fear.

Lord Jesus, you have the light that we crave in this dark world. Helps us to focus on the Lord Jesus, you have the light that we crave in this dark world. Helps us to focus on the light, grow toward the light, and minister the light to those still far from it. Amen. light, grow toward the light, and minister the light to those still far from it. Amen.

Isaiah 61 In Luke 4 Jesus begins his earthly ministry by reading the beginning of Isaiah 61 and In Luke 4 Jesus begins his earthly ministry by reading the beginning of Isaiah 61 and declaring it fulfilled that day in their presence. There is, of course, great significance to declaring it fulfilled that day in their presence. There is, of course, great significance to how Jesus chose to start. There is much in the Bible that could be taken as bad news— how Jesus chose to start. There is much in the Bible that could be taken as bad news— conviction of sins, consequences, the brokenness of the world, and more. But Jesus’ conviction of sins, consequences, the brokenness of the world, and more. But Jesus’ quote of Isaiah 61 is a powerful assurance that all the bad news is subverted by the good quote of Isaiah 61 is a powerful assurance that all the bad news is subverted by the good news. The good news triumphs in the Bible. The bad is real, but it is temporary. God will news. The good news triumphs in the Bible. The bad is real, but it is temporary. God will fix it. And when God the Son came to earth as Jesus Christ, that fix became firmly rooted fix it. And when God the Son came to earth as Jesus Christ, that fix became firmly rooted and underway in human history. The words “good news” hardly seem good enough! and underway in human history. The words “good news” hardly seem good enough!

Notice that throughout Isaiah 61 the new good news is contrasted with the old bad news. Notice that throughout Isaiah 61 the new good news is contrasted with the old bad news. That has sometimes led to nonChristians being confused about our message. Some That has sometimes led to nonChristians being confused about our message. Some times we’re accused of seeing everything as bad (admittedly, sometimes some of us do times we’re accused of seeing everything as bad (admittedly, sometimes some of us do that too). Oftentimes we’re just trying to show the contrast—no fair if we’re interrupted that too). Oftentimes we’re just trying to show the contrast—no fair if we’re interrupted before we get to the good stuff! before we get to the good stuff!

But notice a tactic Jesus uses here. He uses hopeful language. Rather than presenting But notice a tactic Jesus uses here. He uses hopeful language. Rather than presenting the bad news, He just assumes it and presents the hope he has. “Good news to the the bad news, He just assumes it and presents the hope he has. “Good news to the poor”, “bind up the brokenhearted”, “freedom for the captives”, etc.—these phrases take poor”, “bind up the brokenhearted”, “freedom for the captives”, etc.—these phrases take for granted the bad news that there are poor, brokenhearted, and captives. But they an for granted the bad news that there are poor, brokenhearted, and captives. But they an gle for hope for those willing to admit these things are issues. What might our witness gle for hope for those willing to admit these things are issues. What might our witness look like if we took that same approach? Faithfulness for the promiscuous, clarity and look like if we took that same approach? Faithfulness for the promiscuous, clarity and wisdom for the mentally ill, hospitality for the lonely—in this type of language the bad wisdom for the mentally ill, hospitality for the lonely—in this type of language the bad news is actively triumphed over by the good news. news is actively triumphed over by the good news.

Lord, make us people of good news. Fill our hearts with hope and may it come out in Lord, make us people of good news. Fill our hearts with hope and may it come out in every word we speak—especially when we have an opportunity to introduce someone to every word we speak—especially when we have an opportunity to introduce someone to you. Amen. you. Amen.

Isaiah 62 Many Christians have stories of God’s pursuit of them. God never forces us to come to Many Christians have stories of God’s pursuit of them. God never forces us to come to Him. Yet He can be so relentless in His pursuit that when we look back we realize it was Him. Yet He can be so relentless in His pursuit that when we look back we realize it was only a matter of time before we caved. Theoretically we could always have said no. But only a matter of time before we caved. Theoretically we could always have said no. But God’s invitation is backed by limitless divine energy and our resistance thankfully weak God’s invitation is backed by limitless divine energy and our resistance thankfully weak ens over time. In Reformed circles we call this “Irresistible Grace”. Some denominations ens over time. In Reformed circles we call this “Irresistible Grace”. Some denominations deny this in their formal theology, but they all celebrate it’s reality with countless testimo deny this in their formal theology, but they all celebrate it’s reality with countless testimo nies of the one that almost got away, but didn’t really stand a chance. nies of the one that almost got away, but didn’t really stand a chance.

Isaiah 62 is about irresistible grace. God is going to speak up Israel, to defend her, claim Isaiah 62 is about irresistible grace. God is going to speak up Israel, to defend her, claim her, and refine her. She will be called , “My Delight Is In Her”, and Beulah, her, and refine her. She will be called Hephzibah, “My Delight Is In Her”, and Beulah, Married” (v. 4), Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD, Sought After, the City No Married” (v. 4), Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD, Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted (v. 12). Longer Deserted (v. 12).

God’s irresistible love will begin to have its effect. He will lavish them with attractiveness— God’s irresistible love will begin to have its effect. He will lavish them with attractiveness— ”the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory” (v. 2), “you will be a ”the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory” (v. 2), “you will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (v. 3). crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (v. 3). Being pursued by God is a very good thing. Being pursued by God is a very good thing.

What is your story of being pursued by God? Sometimes His pursuit isn’t felt as much at What is your story of being pursued by God? Sometimes His pursuit isn’t felt as much at the beginning of the relationship as sometime down the road. How has it felt to be so the beginning of the relationship as sometime down the road. How has it felt to be so deeply desirable to the Creator of the Universe? Spend some time pursuing Him in return deeply desirable to the Creator of the Universe? Spend some time pursuing Him in return today. today.

Isaiah 63 Isaiah 63 When reading verses 16 it’s very important to remember the context. When 62:11 says, When reading verses 16 it’s very important to remember the context. When 62:11 says, “See, your Savior comes!” or 62:12 calls Israel “the Redeemed of the LORD” it sounds so “See, your Savior comes!” or 62:12 calls Israel “the Redeemed of the LORD” it sounds so nice. And it is nice for God’s people. But it is not nice for God’s enemies when “the year nice. And it is nice for God’s people. But it is not nice for God’s enemies when “the year of my redemption has come” (63:4). He is “might to save” (63:1), but we must ask “save of my redemption has come” (63:4). He is “might to save” (63:1), but we must ask “save from whom?” There are responsible parties behind the situations from which people must from whom?” There are responsible parties behind the situations from which people must be saved—and short of turning to God for their own salvation those parties are in for a be saved—and short of turning to God for their own salvation those parties are in for a very bad time when the redeemer returns. very bad time when the redeemer returns.

This is why Isaiah can turn such a sharp corner in verse 7 and declare, “I will tell of the This is why Isaiah can turn such a sharp corner in verse 7 and declare, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD.” “In His love and mercy He redeemed them” (v. 9). Because kindnesses of the LORD.” “In His love and mercy He redeemed them” (v. 9). Because God’s people rebelled (v. 10), but when on the wrong side of God’s wrath they repented God’s people rebelled (v. 10), but when on the wrong side of God’s wrath they repented and that’s where this chapter ends. They are seeking the return of God. They remem and that’s where this chapter ends. They are seeking the return of God. They remem ber that His normal characteristics are kind and merciful. They are very aware of His ber that His normal characteristics are kind and merciful. They are very aware of His wrath, but also of His love. And they trust that, because they are repentant, if He returns wrath, but also of His love. And they trust that, because they are repentant, if He returns they will no longer be on the receiving side of His wrath. Because they are repentant they they will no longer be on the receiving side of His wrath. Because they are repentant they have faith that they will be among the redeemed. have faith that they will be among the redeemed.

Lord Jesus, We too often go astray and rebel. We are sorry. We remember your kindness Lord Jesus, We too often go astray and rebel. We are sorry. We remember your kindness and mercy and long to be close to that again. Redeem us from our own rebellion. Amen. and mercy and long to be close to that again. Redeem us from our own rebellion. Amen.

Isaiah 64 Isaiah 64 Isaiah 63 leaves off with Israel repentant but God has not yet answered. God doesn’t an Isaiah 63 leaves off with Israel repentant but God has not yet answered. God doesn’t an swer yet in chapter 64 either (He will in 65). Instead, the people’s repentance grows swer yet in chapter 64 either (He will in 65). Instead, the people’s repentance grows deeper and perhaps a little more desperate. “Oh that you would rend the heavens and deeper and perhaps a little more desperate. “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down” (v. 1). “You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember come down” (v. 1). “You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?” (v. 5). They get it. They were bad and they deserve to be punished. be saved?” (v. 5). They get it. They were bad and they deserve to be punished.

But they cry out for mercy, “Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; do not remember But they cry out for mercy, “Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people.” They go on to our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people.” They go on to state that they have been disciplined enough to understand. They are crying for God to state that they have been disciplined enough to understand. They are crying for God to recognize the difference between correction and retribution—and to choose only correc recognize the difference between correction and retribution—and to choose only correc tion for them. They cannot bear the full weight of what they deserve and they have al tion for them. They cannot bear the full weight of what they deserve and they have al ready borne what was needed to make them see their error. ready borne what was needed to make them see their error.

Have you ever had a time like the Israelites are facing—where you’ve learned your lesson Have you ever had a time like the Israelites are facing—where you’ve learned your lesson but know that you haven’t yet paid the full price for what you did? I know I have! If you but know that you haven’t yet paid the full price for what you did? I know I have! If you prayed that God would cut your punishment short then you can understand Isaiah 64. If prayed that God would cut your punishment short then you can understand Isaiah 64. If you can identify, personalize Isaiah 64 as your prayer today. you can identify, personalize Isaiah 64 as your prayer today.