Thursday, May 5, 2016

Isaiah 64: God Of The Second Chance

Have you ever wanted a second chance?  If so, perhaps you can understand how the Israelites felt after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

In the wake of a crushing national defeat, the prophet shows the people agreeing with God about their sin.  This recognition is an important step in repentance and reconciliation.  Acknowledging that Israel has gone astray, Isaiah writes, "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth.  We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away" (vs. 6).  In essence, Isaiah is saying, "We got what we deserved."

But the people long for something more; they desire a second chance.  First, Isaiah reminds God of the special covenant relationship they are in.  He draws God's attention to the people's helplessness.  "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (vs. 8).  Isaiah hopes that this appeal will nudge God to return to His people in a position of mercy.

Second, Isaiah makes a plea for God to relent from His wrath.  "Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever.  Now consider, we are all your people" (vs. 9).  The plaintive cry of the prophet is for God to restore the fortunes of Israel.  In the final verses of this chapter, Isaiah points out the punishment that the people have already suffered.  Jerusalem lies in ruins, the temple has been burned with fire, and the land has become a wilderness (vs. 10-11).

The prophet hopes that God will be now moved to give His people a second chance.  The good news is that, in His mercy, God does just that!  He is the God of the second chance!


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