Isaiah 65:13-16 – Blessings and Curses
We have two kinds of blessing and cursing in verses 13-14. One is outward blessings, which is in verse 13, and then a more inward, which we see in the end of verse 13 and into verse 14. These blessings are only, of course, for the true servants of God. The curses are for those who are the people of God in name only.
The first contrast of blessing and cursing is in eating and drinking. We who are in Christ have the promise here of eating to the full. Now, this isn’t merely looking at physical food. There are Christian people who have physically hungered. But this promise is from Him who is Himself, the bread of life and the living water. We feed upon Him, and we have life, abundant life, joy, gladness, fullness. In contrast, the hypocrites, the accursed, shall receive nothing but destruction. There shall be appalling grief, emptiness, death, and despair. They will seek life and fullness and happiness in their idols. What good do these do them? None at all. They thirst. Those without the Lord Jesus Christ have lives that are dry and sterile as dust.
The contrast continues at the end of verse 13 and into verse 14. It is between inward joy and its opposite, shame and grief. To be adopted by God, to have Christ as your own, provokes joy. In contrast, those who do not know the living God in Jesus Christ are destined for shame and unbearable grief. They may have the adoration of the world, but there is no lasting satisfaction.
We have dishonour to the wicked in verse 15 and honour to the remnant of God in verse 16. For those who are nominal believers, the curse is for them and dishonour as well. They have not only guilt, but shame. God says, “I’m will not even allow my servants to use your name anymore.” We are not called the children of Jacob or Israel now. We are called Christian. We are given a new name. We are called by the name of the blessed One, the Lord Jesus Christ. The name of honour has been taken away, and someday shall be taken away from the unfaithful who claim to be part of the Church of Jesus Christ. Verse 16 has a promise that we shall no longer be a remnant, but an overwhelming group of those who profess to be the people of God all over the earth. People will call on the name of Jehovah in their lawful oaths and vows. They shall have an eye to Him seeking His glory and pleasure and living delightfully in Christ. The former troubles are forgotten!
Question
- Why curses are described here?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for your salvation and the blessings you have in Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.