Isaiah 64:8-9 – The Work of God’s Hand
After the confession of sin, the people, through the prophet, say the words of verse 8. These are hopeful words of faith from those who are aware of great sin, but who are conscious of God’s mercy and grace. They look to the One Who can, Whom they trust will, forgive. This covenant God is called Father, as well. He is Father to all believers, not as our Creator, but as our re-creator in Christ. This is a Father to Whom we can appeal when we have fallen flat on our faces again. And this is the Father to Whom the remnant did appeal, knowing He will always love us, though we have never been worthy of that love. Far more than a godly earthly Father, does He wisely and lovingly give to his people all that they need.
Lastly, the people appeal to Him as a potter. The remnant remember that they are but clay. There’s no help in themselves. He takes and makes His people to be vessels of mercy. He does that of His own sovereign, holy, and gracious will. And He delights in the work of His hands. This is much reason for hope!
In verse 9 we see Him as the One Who continues to love but is offended at our sin. So it is that He must, and He will bring discipline for His people, to teach them, to help them learn to sin no longer, that their fellowship with Him might no longer be interrupted. They recognise the horribleness of their sin. They recognise, too, that discipline is completely needed. They cry out that God might temper discipline with mercy. They pray that He would not act in fury. How can they ask this? How can they be so confident that God will give it? They are calling upon Him as their covenant God, the One Who has spoken of redemption.
Believer, maybe you’ve done dumb, foolish, wicked things. Perhaps God has called you back and He has put you through some discipline to help you to learn it. There can be temptation to think that God no longer loves you or that you must somehow make it up to Him. The assurance here is that God’s wrath and condemnation can never touch you. It’s been poured out to the last drop upon Jesus Christ who suffered in your place. For the unbeliever, God is not yet your covenant God in the sense of these people. But He says that He will be if you will come to Jesus Christ. He forgives sin. He paid the price that sin brings. There is hope for you. Call upon Him in prayer!
Question
- Why are these hopeful words?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that we have a loving Father.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.