(Tuesday, 11-13-07) Prayer 32 - Isaiah's Prayer for Mercy

Read First:
Isa. 64:1-12

Hear It! Isaiah 64

Prophecies of Comfort (40–66):
Having pronounced Judah’s divine condemnation, Isaiah comforts them with God’s promises of hope and restoration. The basis for this hope is the sovereignty and majesty of God (40–48). Of the 216 verses in these nine chapters, 115 speak of God’s greatness and power. The Creator is contrasted with idols, the creations of men. His sovereign character is Judah’s assurance of future restoration. Babylon will indeed carry them off; but Babylon will finally be judged and destroyed, and God’s people will be released from captivity.

Chapters 49–57 concentrate on the coming Messiah who will be their Savior and Suffering Servant. This rejected but exalted One will pay for their iniquities and usher in a kingdom of peace and righteousness throughout the earth. All who acknowledge their sins and trust in Him will be delivered (58–66). In that day Jerusalem will be rebuilt, Israel’s borders will be enlarged, and the Messiah will reign in Zion. God’s people will confess their sins and His enemies will be judged. Peace, prosperity, and justice will prevail, and God will make all things new. — Talk Through The Bible

What Can We Learn?
1. 64:1-2 — This is a frequent but puzzling question of those who believe in God. God’s presence would have a chilling effect on the nations.
2. 64:3-4 — Read 1 Cor. 2:9. Paul understood that God had brought those amazing things to pass in Christ.
3. 64:5-7 — This is a concise, accurate statement of the problem of sin.
4. 64:8 — This is the attitude that changes a person from rebellion and desire to shape one’s own life, to submission to God and to the molding of his hand.
5. 64:9 — There is a simple but profound plea expressed here. Isaiah leans completely on the fact that, as the people of God, they could depend completely and safely on him.
6. 64:10-12 — The picture painted here had not actually occurred in Isaiah’s day, at least not physically. He may have been speaking of what was to be, or perhaps he was describing a spiritual wilderness and destruction.

Questions to Ponder
1. Have you ever wanted to ask the question of 64:1-2? If so, why? What were the circumstances that moved you to ask this kind of question?
2. Make a list of God’s works that amaze you.
3. Make a list of things that we need to understand about sin and our relationship with God based on 64:5 -7.
4. In what ways are you cooperating with Isaiah’s desire in 64:8? What kind of shape do you think you’re in?