Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"I was sought by those who did not ask for Me"
Text: Isaiah 65:1
GENTILE NATIONS
The LORD’s response to Isaiah’s prayer is important and insightful. There was specific reference to Gentile nations.
“I was sought by those who did not ask for Me;
I was found by those who did not seek Me.
I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’
To a nation that was not called by My name.
I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,
Who walk in a way that is not good,
According to their own thoughts.”
Isaiah 65:1-2
1. Reference to people outside Israel.
a) They were people who generally do not ask for the LORD.
b) They were people who do not seek God.
c) These belonged to nations who were not called by His name.
d) But somehow:
i) They realised they needed to find God.
ii) They sought the God of Israel now.
iii) They recognized Him as the true God.
2. Response of the LORD to them.
a) He recognised the effort to seek Him.
b) He allowed Himself to be found.
c) God related to them graciously and with great mercy.
d) He was willing to be their God.
3. In great contrast to Israel.
a) Israel was a rebellious people.
b) They walked in a way that was no good.
c) They walked according to their own thoughts.
4. God’s efforts to reach out to Israel.
a) God stretched out His hand to His people.
b) He did this all day long.
c) But Israel refused to respond.
d) Instead, Israel chose rebellion.