A Child and Heir

O. T.  #1715  "A Child and Heir"
June 18, 2020
Isaiah 63-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

When my mother passed away, ten years after my dad, we, their children, had their will telling us how their property was to be distributed. Did you know that you are a child and an heir of God's? Do you know what is yours?

After having extolled God's goodness (v.7-9) and rehearsed God's past faithfulness to Israel for the sake of His glory (v.11-13), the prophet offered a prayer of repentance by the nation in its desolate condition. (MacArthur)

To whom is Isaiah pleading in this prayer found in verses 15-19?
It is God who:

• dwells in a holy, glorious home in heaven; (verse 15)
• has zeal and strength that never diminishes;
• expresses mercy, love, concern, and sympathy;
• is our Father; (verse 16)
• is  LORD (Jehovah; Self-Existent or Eternal);
• is our Redeemer [to be the next of kin (to buy back a relative's property); ransom];
• has a name of Everlasting (eternal, forever, without end);

Our Father and Israel's Father is our One-and-only Redeemer. Jesus fulfilled the requirement for purchasing our salvation by shedding His blood on the cross, a perfect sacrifice.

Paul told the church at Roman (8:15-17), For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And of children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.

When Jesus Christ becomes our Savior, then we become a child of God. Then we can cry unto our Heavenly Father in prayer and He hears us.

Since we have several visitors to this blog, I try to keep witnessing for our Savior. Friend, have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Savior, Redeemer?

LET IT GROW

Now, let's take a peek at Isaiah's prayer for mercy and pardon:

• First, he appeals for God to hear him from heaven.
• He asks for new mercies such as He had shown toward Israel in the past;
• Even though Abraham and Jacob (Israel) were their patriarchs, they can't help.
• He questions why God allowed His nation to wander in sin and disobedience.
• His request is for His servants to return in repentance to Him.
• Your sanctuary Temple is going to be destroyed (in 63BC by Babylon and 70AD by the Romans).
• We are Thine, so rule over us again; He never ruled over Israel's enemies.

On behalf of the faithful remnant, Isaiah asks God for two favors: to show mercy and compassion toward them and to punish their enemies. Before making these requests, Isaiah recited the Lord's past favors, reminding Him of His compassion in former days. (Life Application Study Bible)

Does it sometimes seem as though we never belonged to God? As if we had never been known as God's child? We are God's beloved child, chosen before the foundation of the world. Each of our paths are designed uniquely for us. Jesus is our hope and future, so stay close to Him. God's got this.

Galatians 4:6 says, And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out "Abba, Father!"

Are we crying out to Him? Are we repenting of our sins? Are we following the wrong path in disobedience? We need to correct it.

LET IT GO

You are a Good, Good Father; perfect in all of Your ways. That's who Your are.
Your are here in every moment, perfect in all Your ways.
Take courage my heart; hold onto God; He's never failed yet.
Hold on, He's in the waiting.