perfect kingdom where God shall be all in all, it is rather the highest

anticipation of that perfect day that earth has yet beheld, Israel fulfilling

at last her destined place as model, type and teacher of the nations.  Of

this we shall learn more as we consider the last section of this prophecy

(Isa. 65:17 to 66:24), which forms the theme of our next and closing study.

The purposes of God shall be fulfilled, none can stay His hand or say

what doest Thou?  The responsibility of the human agent remains, none can

compel love or coerce him into holiness.  In vain the conflicting schools of

theology range themselves on either side of this super-human problem,

magnifying either the free will of man until he becomes a finite god, or

magnifying the Sovereignty of God until He becomes amoral and a synonym for

The goal of the age was in sight when the prophet cried 'Arise, shine;

for thy light is come' (Isa. 60:1).  It had most surely drawn near when the

prophet proclaimed the jubilee of the ages, the acceptable year of the Lord

(Isa. 61).  It is before our very eyes, when this redeemed people are seen

clothed with the garments of salvation (Isa. 61), and yet the story tarries;

true to life, it does not go straight to its goal.  Although the purpose

concerning Jerusalem is sure of fulfilment, yet watchmen are urged to give

the Lord no rest till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isa. 62).

The year of acceptance is introduced by the day of vengeance (Isa. 63),

Israel, too, must have a poignant reminder of their waywardness and the

loving kindness that has never let them go, and so a brief pause is made to

consider 'the days of old' (Isa. 63).  At last the desired effect is

realized.  The people themselves cry 'look down from heaven' (Isa. 63).  'Oh

that Thou wouldest rend the heavens' (Isa. 64) and plead with the Lord under

a title rarely found in the Old Testament.  'Thou art our Father' (Isa. 64).

Even now with the goal in sight, there are things to be considered before the

glory is entered.

'I am sought of them that asked not for Me; I am found of them that

sought Me not: I said, Behold Me, behold Me, unto a nation that was not

called by My name.  I have spread out My hands all the day unto a

rebellious people' (Isa. 65:1,2).

This passage is quoted by Paul in Romans 10, where

the vexed question of Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are so

wondrously interwoven.  Israel most certainly had 'the adoption, and the

glory, and the covenants' (Rom. 9:4), yet but a remnant had been saved.  In

reply to the suggestion that God had cast off His ancient people or had in

any sense failed of His promise, this passage from Isaiah 65 is adduced to

provide an answer.

'Such is My grace', said the Lord in effect, 'that Gentiles who never

had promises or covenants as you have had, have been received of Me, how much

more therefore would I have fulfilled all My Word if only you My people had

turned to Me, the God of your fathers.  I have said to you "Behold Me, behold

Me"; and all the day I have spread out My hands to a disobedient and

gainsaying people.  The long delay in the fulfilment of My promise must be

placed to your account, a people that provoked Me to anger continually to My

face' (Isa. 65:1 -3).