Monday Reflection – November 09, 2020 The Relentless God!

Monday Reflection – November 09, 2020
The Relentless God!

I was ready to be sought out by those who did not ask, to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that did not call on my name. Isaiah 65:1

When we reflect on the mayhem, violence, mass shootings and wars that are taking place in our world, we struggle many times to comprehend it all. We ask why? How? How come? We wrestle to come up with a plausible reason or answer. In the search for answers, we many times blame someone or some system. We blame homes, communities, friends, a broken mental health system etc. We point several fingers. Even when it comes down to situations in our personal lives, we are quick to cast blame elsewhere.  

The Israelites who returned from exile in Babylon faced precisely this problem: how can we explain the immense suffering endured by the people of God? Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55), addressed to the Israelites near the end of the exile, expresses confidence in God’s command of history and the eventual restoration of the nation. Despite the people’s suffering, Isaiah promises a God who will continue to bless Israel. These promises, however, are not fulfilled, at least not yet. The small groups of exiles who returned to Judah after Persia’s defeat of Babylon in 539 faced hardship, famine, political in-fighting, and economic oppression. How do they account for this continued suffering, even after the promised return to their homeland has occurred? Isaiah chapters 56-66 declare that it is God’s punishment for the people’s unfaithfulness.

Today’s Watchword depicts a God who longs to be sought by God’s people but who is continually shunted aside. God’s voice even sounds plaintive here; “Here I am, here I am,” God cries, to a nation that turns away. Specifically, the people have turned to the practice of pagan rituals. The people’s disobedience and infidelity have made them repugnant to God. The continued suffering of the Israelites is just punishment for their sin. It is the people themselves who are responsible for their suffering. Yet God will not punish all; a remnant, a chosen few, will be redeemed, who will receive all that had been promised to Israel.

Even though the people have rejected God, Yahweh offers hope. Isaiah visions the new heavens and a new earth that God is about to create (vs. 17). Also, Yahweh will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in His people; No more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress (vs 19). There is further hope in verse 24: Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.

What’s the lesson here for all of us?
ü  We must accept responsibility for our actions

ü  God will justly meet out punishment to us when we reject him and follow after other gods

ü  The faithful will be rewarded

ü  No matter how far we have drifted, God relentlessly pursues us desiring to lead us back home

ü  There is hope and the promise of security and eternity for those who submit themselves to the Lordship and leadership of God. Amen

Jermaine Gibson