Read Isaiah 64 – 66
Highlights:
In these final chapters are prayers and pleas for mercy and pardon (63:15-19) from a silent God (64:12). Those pleading confess their sin and praise His deeds (63:7-14; 64:4-7). God replies (65:2-7). He will spare His true servants, a remnant (65:8-10). The rebirth of His nation (66:7-9); Conclusion (66:2-3) and promise (66:22).
But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand (Isa. 64:8).
This verse and others like it are used often by preachers and teachers. Many love to use the thought of God being the Potter and we, His creation, being the clay. They love to speak on how God can give us a fresh start in life as He remolds us into a new vessel. The old vessel with its flaws and imperfections is cast into something new and better.
There is nothing wrong with this line of thought. It is a fine message that often draws people into a closer walk with Jesus Christ. The old becoming new is a very popular theme in the Word of God. No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved (Matt. 9:16-17).
At this time though, let us look at another part of this verse. There are times when part of something becomes so popular that other parts are sometimes overlooked or even forgotten. The part of the verse that we wish to examine is Thou art our Father.
No one knows our fundamental human needs better than God; He knows our needs for things like hope, love and peace. How can we better trust in God to meet those needs? The first step is to acknowledge the fact that God is our heavenly Father.
Notice, God identifies Himself as a Father to us. That should say a lot to us as to how He feels. This is how He chose to characterize His relationship to us. It’s not just a descriptive term used by preachers or theologians. God chose Fatherhood from all possible human relationships. There was something significant that God wanted to communicate by His choice of this title.
The thing that God was trying to communicate was that He wanted our dependence to be on Him. He desired to show that there is no one who loves us more, or in whom we should place more trust, than Him. God is the perfect example of what a father should be.
Earthly fathers have the perfect model to follow. They have the Word of God revealing God's character to mankind. This should serve as a manual on how to interact with their children. Everything a person needs to know about fatherhood is right there in the Bible. You need to learn how to teach the difference between right and wrong. The Word of God can help. If you need help regarding discipline, the Bible has lots to say on the subject. Many fathers do not use God as a role model, and their children suffer because of it. God is the only Father they know.
God is our heavenly Father. He should receive the greatest of praise for taking on this role in our lives.
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him (John 4:23).
Thought for Today:
The Lord delights in those who delight in Him.
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator of new heavens and a new earth (Is. 65:17; 66:22; comp. John 1:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:13). As the One whose glory will be declared among the nations (Is. 66:18-19; Rev. 5:12-13).
Word Studies:
64:3 terrible, awesome, revered greatly, greatly to be feared; 64:11 are laid waste, have been destroyed; 65:14 howl for vexation of spirit, cry out in misery; 66:6 voice, sound.
Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse from all sins (Ps. 51:2).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 90:1-2