-The presence (paniym-face) of God is a key reiteration
thematically here at the beginning of this chapter. Verses one, two, and three
all end in God’s presence sought out with mountains and nations quaking and
trembling. The plea is for the LORD to come down from out of heaven to visit on
behalf of His people to make His Name known to His adversaries. He is the God
unexpected awesome deeds of the past, present, and future. He acts in behalf of
the one (or ones) who wait for Him. He meets with the person who rejoices in
doing right and remembers to follow the ways of God (Isaiah 64:4-5a). *Application*
How much do we desire to abide in the presence (face, union) of God our Father.
This takes time and often complete solitude due to the many distractions of our
world. Practice His presence, the reward is gratifying! Soak in His Spirit.
-God’s anger
reenters as a theme as the chapter progresses. His irritation is justified
because of the sins of His people for a continued-long time. There is a
question as to even the possibility of being saved at this point because of the
uncleanness and filth and withering of all who have taken them away from the
presence of the LORD. “There is no one who calls on Your Name, who arouses
himself to take hold of You; for You have hidden Your face (presence) from us
and have delivered us into the power of our iniquities (Isaiah 64:5b-7).”
*Application* How many of us know that our rebellion, iniquities, sins, and
transgressions have power? This is intriguing to think about. This power is
antithetical to the will of God and comes against our very Maker by our own
pride and self-determination. This power will never usurp God’s authority, but
it is strong in working the will of the enemy, and we should never take this
lightly. God certainly never takes it lightly, which is why He can rightfully
get very angry with us over the issue of sin.
-For the reason
listed in the previous paragraph, Isaiah takes time to echo the fact that He is
Potter and we are simply the clay. God is our Sovereign. We are the work of His
hand. The supplication by the prophet begs for mercy on behalf of the Jewish
people, which have been decimated by His judgments. The request is for
restraint by the LORD and for Him to show up again in power to redeem before
they are destroyed (Isaiah 64:8-12). This stanza highlights the need for
obedience and surrender to the King of kings. *Application* How blessed is the
person who walks in the way of the LORD, who follows His lead, and does not
rebel against His will and plan (Psalm 18:30). Let God mold you into His image
(Romans 8:29).
Verses to Memorize: Isaiah 64:4, 8
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