This chapter is a continuation of chapter 63, as Isaiah continues to pray for mercy. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome things beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! You welcome those who cheerfully do good, who follow godly ways. (Yes, Lord! Help us cheerfully follow your ways and wait for you!)
But we are not godly. We are constant sinners, so your anger is heavy on us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins. (Wow! Lord, strengthen our minds and commitment to you so we can resist sinning against you.)
And yet, Lord, you are our Father. We are the day, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand. Oh, don’t be so angry with us, Lord. Please don’t remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people.
Your holy cities are destroyed, even Jerusalem is a desolate wilderness. The holy, beautiful Temple where our ancestors praised you has been burned down, and all the things of beauty are destroyed. After all this, Lord, must you still refuse to help us? Will you continue to be silent and punish us? (Isaiah 64)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us do your will, follow your ways, commit ourselves to pleasing you, and resist our sinful ways. You have blessings waiting for us, if we just honor and serve you. Lord, you are amazing and we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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