Isaiah 59

Isaiah 59:11-13 (ESV)

We all growl like bears;

we moan and moan like doves;

we hope for justice, but there is none;

for salvation, but it is far from us.

For our transgressions are multiplied before you,

and our sins testify against us;

for our transgressions are with us,

and we know our iniquities:

transgressing, and denying the LORD,

and turning back from following our God,

speaking oppression and revolt,

conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

The people of God are living like the world. They are growling and moaning over the consequences of their sin, yet God does not hear them. He does not hear them or respond with salvation, not because he cannot hear them, but because he will not hear them. He refuses to listen when they refuse to repent.

It reminds me of times when my children were small. The would demand a glass of water, or another helping from the dinner table. I would ignore them until they stopped demanding and began asking politely. Then suddenly I could (would) hear them and respond by giving them what they asked for. Once they gave up their sinful actions and began to respect and honor their Dad, they received what they were desiring. So it is with the People of God.

Along with God’s warning comes a promise.

Isaiah 59:19-21 (ESV)

So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west,

and his glory from the rising of the sun;

for he will come like a rushing stream,

which the wind of the LORD drives.

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion,

to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the LORD.

“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

When God’s people turn back to him he will hear them and deliver. Beyond that, God promises that there will be a day when he will pour out his Spirit not only upon them, but on their children, and their grandchildren.

We saw the fulfillment of this in the time of Jesus. The Pharisees failed to have their prayers for Messiah answered, not because Messiah did not come, but because they failed to recognize him when he came. On the other hand, those who repented and believed left behind generations of believers on whom the Spirit of God has been poured out. This is the beginning of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Ultimately it will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. The promised is fulfilled, but it is not yet fulfilled.

In response, I need to ask myself: Am I the self-righteous one whom God cannot hear, or am I the broken, repentant one whom God will bless? Father, search my heart and do not let me get away with hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. Only God sees my heart as it truly is. Clara H. Scott penned these words in the late 1800s. They should be the prayer of our heart daily, for only he sees me as I truly am.

Open my eyes, that I may see

glimpses of truth thou hast for me;

place in my hands the wonderful key

that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!