Second Sunday after Pentecost: Old Testament, Isaiah 65:1-9               

Isaiah 65:1-9 

This week’s Old Testament reading is one that needs to be pondered. By all of God’s children. While Isaiah is speaking to the people of his day, like so much of God’s Word, there is certainly application well beyond that audience. Isaiah is citing the many sins of God’s people and no matter where in history’s line we live, we are not dissimilar. But that isn’t where the good news comes from this week. We are lazy. We are idolaters. We love death over life and uncleanness above purity. And Isaiah makes that clear. God be thanked for the rest of what Isaiah speaks: “Thus says the LORD: As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says ‘Do not destroy it. for a blessing is in it,’ So will I do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all” (Is 65:8). 

Divine patience makes an appearance. And the love underneath which fosters such patience. Aren’t you glad? I am. Because I find myself in that ugly list in verses 1-7. How about you? And that’s exactly why you and I need the gospel proclaimed to us weekly …. daily. I used to think the gospel of Jesus was only for entrance into the Christian life, but I have learned as a Reformation Christian that without it daily I lose my stance of hope. For the Lord Christ not only secures my entrance into His life, but sustains me and will be my supply through all eternity.

Our sin makes us a mess. But divine patience, divine love, and the gospel of Christ is just so much greater.