Why Are Our Prayers Unanswered?

O. T. #1698  "Why Are Our Payers Unanswered?"
May 26, 2020
Isaiah 59
Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

Previously, MacArthur described two kinds of religion in the last chapter-religious formalism, which was manifested in improper fasting and the walking in fellowship with the Lord after repentance, which bring satisfaction. Now in this chapter, Isaiah pleas with Israel to forsake their sins.

Israel's hypocrisy is exposed as Isaiah defines the sins of the people. There are two things he reminds Israel in our key verse:

1. God has not lost the power to save them, because His hand is not shortened (to cut down, especially grass and grain; trouble). God has not lost His power, nor is it lessened. He can still reach as far as ever with as strong a hand as ever. Nothing can change His power, not even the length of time nor strength of enemies. Even though Israel's enemies kept them captive for 70 years, God was still in control over everything. He had a purpose for it all-repentance of Israel for their idolatry. So it is today, our God has power to stop this pandemic that is killing people and bring His churches to repentance of their materialism. He can still save the lost today.
2. Not only is God's ear not heavy, but His is quick of hearing. It is not that He is weary of hearing prayers, but we are weary of praying. God both heard and understood Israel's need for deliverance. And so He does with us.

Our ears have become heavy when God speaks to us, not the other way around. He is still ready to hear our prayers as Isaiah's prayers back then. God has not changed, but has our patience of praying changed? God continues to love us, for He is our Everlasting Father. His mercies never fail, but does our faith fail? Friend, He's got this, whatever your "this" is. Keep praying and believing for God's answer.

LET IT GROW

What had separated (excluded, set apart) Israel from their God and caused His face to be hidden from them? Verses 2-8 gives us the answers:

• iniquities (evil, fault) and sins (Romans 3:23) (verse 2); this is why God refused to hear their prayers;
• hands defiled with blood, murders (verse 3);
• fingers with iniquity are filthy;
• lips spoken lies;
• mouth spews corruption; not justice and truth (verse 4);
• feet run to evil (verse 7);
• thoughts were thoughts of iniquity;

It is no wonder that Israel's prayers and ours are hindered and not answered by God. Our thoughts, our language, and our activities are not pleasing to Him, since we have sin in our hearts. Maybe we are not guilty of the first six mentioned, but perhaps we are guilt of number 7.

Psalm 66:18 says, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.

Proverbs 6 gives us a similar list. Added in the heart that deviseth wicked imaginations and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Life Application Study Bible says it this way,

It is time for a self-evaluation so our heart is pleasing to God and He will answer our prayers. Sin offends our holy God and separates us from Him. Because God is holy, He cannot ignore excuse, or tolerate sin as though it didn't matter. Sin cuts people off from Him, forming a wall to isolate God from the people He loves. No wonder this long list of wretched sins makes God angry and forces Him to look the other way. People who die with their life of sin unforgiven separate themselves eternally from God. God wants them to live with Him forever, but He cannot take them into His holy presence unless their sin is removed. Have you confessed your sin to God, allowing Him to remove it? The Lord can save you if you turn to Him.

When we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We must come to God on His terms. Jesus Christ is The Way. Have you asked Him to forgive you today?

LET IT GO
You are our God, holy and forgiving. Please forgive our nation of our sins.
Please forgive me of my sins.