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Isaiah-64

Striving for New Creations: A Devotional Study on Isaiah 64​

Introduction​

In the midst of darkness and despair, Isaiah speaks of a hope that perseveres. In the midst of discouragement and weariness, Isaiah declares that we should not “lose heart.” Through his powerful words, Isaiah invokes the promises of God for a new creation, a new way. Let's dive into Isaiah 64 and uncover the spiritual insights and profound truths embedded in this beautiful passage.

Section 1: Hope in Darkness (Isaiah 64:1-4)​

Devotional Thought: In the midst of darkness and despair, Isaiah proclaimed: “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles bare tree limbs and ashen wads ignite—to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence!” Isaiah pleads for God's active presence to Harden the heavens and come down, to reveal God's name and glory in a stunning display of power. His prayer invites us to enunciate our longing for God's active presence in our darkest moments, to stir Him to intervene and reveal His grandeur. We gratefully acknowledge God's presence in our lives, but we also yearn for deeper relationship and profound deliverance. Let us boldly plead to God to move, to reveal His glory to us and the world around us, to deliver us from evil and bondage, and to renew us in His Son Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you perceive God's presence in times of darkness and distress?
  • What concrete steps can you take to more boldly plead to God, to enlist His help, and to reveal His grandeur in your life?

Section 2: God's Transforming Power (Isaiah 64:5-9)​

Devotional Thought: Isaiah continues by speaking of a new creation, a fresh start that transcends our old, tired ways. In Isaiah's words, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, carry us away. Leave us not, O Lord God of hosts, apply not justice unseasonably; let not deceptive water mislead us; let not a false god speak. Make for us a dividing of the water, and let the waves be solidly fixed; let the ridges stand upright as a wall, let the cliffs be a barring wall. Appear as Moses appeared in the pillar of cloud, and in the pillar of fire. Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious to us!” Here, Isaiah calls for God's grace and transforming power, and he asks God to separate the waters and form solid and steadfast terrain as a dividing wall. Isaiah interweaves this powerful image with the miracle of Moses' pillar of cloud and pillar of fire to solidify God's immanent presence, His transformative power, and His promise to renew and transform our lives. Through this process of renovation and renewal, we grow as people of the new creation, and move beyond our old patterns of behavior and ways of thinking.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you experience God's transformative power in your life, a transformative power that separates water, forms solid and steady ground, and separates the mountains?
  • What concrete steps can you take to more actively engage with God's transforming power, to roll away as 'ones who are unclean', to separate water, and to form a new and solid ground in your life?

Section 3: A Plea for God's Presence (Isaiah 64:10-12)​

Devotional Thought: Isaiah finishes by repeating his plea, this time with a deeper sense of adherence and longing. Isaiah declares, “Our Holy God is the God of ages, and His deeds are faithful and just; He has sent justice into Jacob and delivered it; He has revealed it in Israel. All this is from God, and what would we do without Him? As the fig tree produces its figs, and the grapevine its grapes, so we produce good deeds, the work of God” (Isaiah 64:10-12). Standing in awe before God and His faithfulness, Isaiah reiterates his profound plea for God's active and palpable presence, this time with a deeper appreciation for the Source of goodness in our lives. We may produce good deeds—but they are not our producing, but what God produces in us. Let us gratefully acknowledge the Source of goodness in our lives, let us more actively seek God's merciful and direct intervention, and let us bear fruit through the transforming power of His grace.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you experience the fruit of God's faithfulness and the Source of goodness in your life?
  • How might your awareness of God's presence impact the kind of person you become, and your ability to bear fruit through His power and guidance?

Conclusion:​

In the midst of darkness, weariness, and distress, Isaiah’s words serve as a beacon of hope. Through his pleadings and prayers, Isaiah invokes God's powerful intervening action, His transforming power, and His faithfulness throughout the ages. May we continue to stand before God in awe, ask for His direct intervention, and invite His active presence in our lives. May we bear fruit through His transforming power, and may we become people of the new creation,whose ways are consistent with God's righteous deeds.