Isaiah 65
Dear RTB’ers,
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 4, our first RTB gathering of the new year – in Nathan Hall after coffee hour (and bus duty and cleanup). Come join us!
Today, two distinct threads between verses 1-16 and 17-25. In the former God is distinguishing between Israelites who are faithful (My servants, Isaiah 65:8,9, and especially Isaiah 65:13-15) and unfaithful (a rebellious people, Isaiah 65:2; people who provoke Me, Isaiah 65:3). He has harsh words and a deadly outcome for this latter group: But you who forsake the LORD, … I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter, because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not listen, but you did what was evil in My eyes and chose what I did not delight in. (vv. 11-12)
But for the former group, the faithful, He offers goodness and gladness: But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people… Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. (vv. 18-19a, 24) Note the contrast in the bold phrases in the two paragraphs.
…choose this day whom you will serve, … But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
Blessings!
See also: October 5 (2023) / Isaiah 65-66.