Isaiah
65:1–9—Chapters 63
and 64 record pleas from Isaiah on behalf of the faithful that God would be
merciful to them. The last two chapters of Isaiah, 65 and 66, are the Lord’s
reply. First, He repeats the treats of judgment on those who do not seek Him
(vv. 1–7). However, there are also those who have not forsaken Him. To these,
He promises that He will not destroy them, but will give them the inheritance,
which He had promised to His people. They who are faithful are His chosen ones,
and shall reap the benefits of His mercy.
“I have spread
out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not
good, after their own thoughts” (v. 2).
They admitted their rebellion (63:10), but complained, that Yahweh
“turned to be their enemy, and he himself fought against them” (63:10). The LORD responds that he has not been their
enemy, but has held out his hands to them (a gesture of invitation), even
though they were rebellious—even though they were not walking in a good
way—even though they were following their own devices instead of obeying him.
While this verse doesn’t examine motives, it is easy
enough to imagine what happened. To
people caught up in rebellion, an invitation to return home can seem dull and
unappealing. Bright lights beckon. Temptations promise roller-coaster
thrills. The tempter whispers that
unimaginable wonders lie just around the corner. We assume that the way home will always be
open, but in our search for new adventures continue to distance ourselves
further and further from the one who could save us.
“a people who
provoke me to my face continually” (v. 3a)—the people provoke Yahweh
deliberately—openly—wantonly.
“sacrificing in
gardens” (v. 3b). This probably
alludes to a fertility ritual (Tucker, Preaching, 309) or a nature cult
(Muilenburg, 747).
“and burning
incense on bricks” (v. 3c). This
probably alludes to offering incense in worship of a pagan god.
“who sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places” (v. 4a)—consulting the dead or spending the night in secret rituals.
“who eat pig’s
flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels” (v. 4b). This could be a feast dedicated to a pagan
god.
The Torah prohibits eating the flesh of swine as well
as a number of other animals (Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:4). “Abominable
things” could be any animals prohibited by Jewish law.
“who say, ‘Stand
by yourself, don’t come near me, for I am holier than you'” (v. 5a). These people who have been provoking the LORD,
engaging in pagan rites, and consuming forbidden meats nevertheless adopt a “holier than thou” stance in their
relationship to other people. They
separate themselves from other people, lest their holiness be contaminated by
other people’s sins.
This sounds very much like the scribes and Pharisees
of the New Testament, with one exception.
The scribes and Pharisees didn’t engage in pagan rites or consuming
forbidden meats. Their sin was focusing
almost totally on cultic observance at the expense of “the weightier matters of the law:
justice and mercy and faith” (Matthew 23:23).
“These are a
smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day” (v. 5b). Smoke in the nostrils is probably a metaphor
for anger. If so, this verse speaks of
the LORD’s continual anger over the sins of his people.[2]
‘Where is the
Gospel?’ you ask? You Savior took all
of this rebellion, reprobate living and sin to himself. He absorbed your sin as
his own while living the perfect sinless life for you. Your mutiny and sin - His.
His perfection and faithfulness – yours. And in that exchange you are now forgiven
and free.
Collect for
Proper 7: O God, You have prepared for those who love You such good things as
surpass our understand. Cast out all sins and evil desires from us, and pour
into our hearts Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all blessedness; through
Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
O God, whose
never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth, put
away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things that
are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[3]
[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3] Collect for Wednesday Pentecost 2, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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