I am sought ofthem that asked notfor me; I am found ofthem that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nationthat was not called by my name.
A SEED RESCUED FROM DESTRUCTION
Isa_65:1-12
The prophet now enumerates the reasons that forced the Lord to turn aside from the Chosen People, and call in the Gentiles to occupy the place and perform the mission which they had despised and forfeited. Paul makes memorable reference to this passage. See Rom_10:20-21. Their gardens were scenes of debauchery; their altars were covered by polluting engravings; they practiced necromancy in the graveyards, and ate swine’s flesh, Isa_65:3-4. Fortune and destiny were their chosen deities, Isa_65:11, r.v. While professing greater holiness than others, the land was filled with abominations.
But the Lord ever discriminates between the righteous and the wicked. Did He not spare Noah and Lot and Caleb? There has always been a faithful remnant, and these become the seed germs of a new nation. Ponder Isa_65:8-10. Then ask that your life may be like the new young grapes of the vineyard, on which the blessing of God rests!
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
A NEW EARTH FOR GOD’S SERVANTS
Isa_65:13-25
Notice the wide difference that religion makes to the soul. The children of God are secured against the evils which visit all others.
They eat;
they drink;
they rejoice;
they sing;
they are called by another name, Isa_65:13-15.
Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!
