Isaiah 63:15-64:12 (64:6-8)

One interesting thing about today’s passage is the way Isaiah speaks of Israel as already being in judgment (v10-11).  In fact this is a picture that is still 100 years off.  As he has often done, Isaiah speaks as if the fulfillment of God’s promised judgment is as good as done.  That is the nature of the words of a faithful God.  He can be counted on.

Today’s passage also shows us how God’s faithfulness should encourage our faith as we pray.  In this prayer, as well as in most prayers of Scripture, God is called on to be faithful to His character and word.  For example …

·        He refers to God as “our Father” (63:16; 64:8), something which God said was the case (Ex. 4:22; Hosea 11:1; Jer. 3:4).

·        The reference to Abraham (63:16) likely is a reminder of the covenant.  Again, this is an encouragement to the faith of the one who pleads with God.

·        There is apparently a reference to how short a time Israel has actually possessed the land (63:18), even though God promised to give it to Abraham and his descendants (Gen. 13:14-18).

·        He speaks of the honor of God’s name (64:2), calling on God to glorify Himself.  God has said He will not share His glory with another (42:8).

·        He reminds God of His uniqueness (64:4), again, something God has spoken of often (44:6,8).

Why does Isaiah need these encouragements to his faith?  For one thing he is calling upon God to do amazing things (64:1-5).  But the bottom line is he is calling on God to be gracious!  He cannot say, “God, we deserve what we are asking for.”  He is quick to recognize the sinfulness of the nation with whom he identifies (64:6-7).  Hear the words which speak of every one of us: all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags … there is no one who calls on Your name (cf. with Paul’s description of all of humanity, Rom. 3:9-20).  But Isaiah can only say, “God, You said this, and You are true to Your word!”  Hear the pleading: we are the clay, and You our potter … do not be furious, O LORD, nor remember iniquity forever … will You hold Your peace, and afflict us very severely? (64:8-12). Israel is in deep trouble because of her sin; she can only plead with God on the basis of mercy and grace.

The attitude of this prayer should encourage us in our own praying, if you are a believer in Christ.  As Isaiah has said previously, God only dwells with the one who is humble and contrite (Isa. 57:15); he will say it again (66:2).  God is honored when we come to Him, not asking for what we deserve, but asking for what He has promised!  May our prayers be filled with this kind of faith.