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August 13
Read Isaiah 64 -- 66
Most of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was defeated and carried away captive by the Assyrians during the reign of King Pekah (Isaiah 7:1; II Kings 15:27-29). About 12 years later, the capital city of Samaria was defeated and the rest of the Kingdom was taken captive and carried off into various parts of the Assyrian Empire. Undoubtedly godly King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom was greatly encouraged by Isaiah.
After Hezekiah's death, his son Manasseh became one of the most wicked kings in Judah's history. During this time Isaiah's faith remained unshakable and he prayed: Oh that You would rend the heavens, that You would come down, that the mountains might flow down at Your presence. . . . Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God beside You, what He has prepared for them who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:1,4).
Like the Israelites, some of these mountains are the result of selfish interests and ambitions that come between us and our relationship with God. The Lord God will provide strength to overcome every mountain and every difficulty when our desire is that He have the preeminence in all things (Colossians 1:18). The Apostle Paul quoted from Isaiah 64:4 to encourage the Corinthian church: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (I Corinthians 2:9).
Isaiah confessed: There is none that calls upon Your Name, that stirs up himself to take hold of You: (consequently) You have hid Your face from us . . . because of our iniquities (Isaiah 64:7). The Word of God as proclaimed by Isaiah had been ignored and God spoke through him these pitiful words: I have spread out My hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts (65:2). The Lord continued: When I called, none answered; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not (66:4). At any time, in any place, we may cry out to God. We have time to call upon His Name to stir up ourselves to make His will the priority in our life. To the small minority who remain faithful, Isaiah is saying: Hear the Word of the Lord, you that tremble at His Word . . . Let the Lord be glorified . . . Behold, I will extend peace . . . like a river (Isaiah 66:5,12).
Christ Revealed: As the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22; compare John 1:1-3; II Pet. 3:13). As the One whose glory will be declared among the nations (Isaiah 66:18-19; Rev. 5:12-13).
Word Studies: 64:3 terrible means awesome; 64:11 are laid waste means have been destroyed; 65:14 howl for vexation of spirit means cry out in misery; 66:6 voice means sound.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL) and Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN) · BPM Staff: George Kopchak · Pray for Dr. D. James Kennedy, Coral Ridge Ministries · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Dr. John Hash and Family · Country: Syria (17 million) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish · Limited religious freedom for Christians · 90% Muslim; 4% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Roman Catholic; .25% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: I Peter 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 25:40