Isaiah 66

Read Isaiah 66

The time has come to bring the message of this marvelous book to an end. To do this well we must give careful consideration to the One who is really speaking in Isaiah. A prophet is nothing at all unless he is an authoritative spokesman for God. We want to hear the Speaker behind the messenger, the true and living God. Heaven is His throne. Earth is His footstool. He does not need us to make Him a house. He is the Creator.

If we understand who is speaking to us, then there is only one thing to do: We should humble ourselves before Him immediately, willingly and honestly confessing our sins and fully turning away from them. “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My Word.”

God could never be satisfied with mere ceremonial righteousness. A nation cannot appease God with the blood of an ox, the sacrifice of a lamb, a grain offering, and some incense. Israel needed at least one person who answered every time that God called. God's people always needed a substitute who accomplished what the Lord required. We have that Man in Jesus of Nazareth.

As we have seen in earlier chapters, there is a judgment coming. A kingdom will be born finally and decisively in the return of the Lord. “Jerusalem” will not only live, but she will have many, many “children.” Perfect peace and glory will be hers like an overflowing stream.

The wicked will not win in the end. Those who do not obey the gospel, and who have persecuted the church of the Lord will face the wrath of the Almighty. But the righteous in Christ will be joyful servants of our Master and Friend.

We must not forget what the true Servant of the Lord has done for us. Do not reject this One great Servant of the Lord. Do not imagine that a ceremonial gift will pay Him off. It was His blood that accomplished our ransom. It is our privilege to hear the call of the Savior who died for us. It is our delight to give our lives in the service of His glorious kingdom.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

O Lord, it is amazing that You would care for us. Your Son came in humility and trembled at Your Word. His perfect heart of worship moved toward You continually in sincere devotion and obedience. This He did for our sake. We shall not be put to shame. We look for the sound in the heavens of Your Son’s return in glory. Bring forth Your holy nation. May Your Kingdom come, O God. We rejoice with the Jerusalem that is above. Bring peace to her like a river. Bring joy that we have almost forgotten in the day of trouble. Show forth Your mercy to us. Grant to us a taste of Your perfect peace even today. You know the works and thoughts of Christ which have been credited to our account. Use us today to declare Your glory among the nations. Draw all Your people to Your holy mountain, that we might gather together in Your house in the new heavens and the new earth. We worship You, O sovereign Lord.