Read Isaiah 63:7–14
Questions from the Scripture text: What will the speaker mention (Isaiah 63:7a)? What else (verse 7b)? Regarding what (verse 7c–d)? What caused Him to bestow all this good upon them (verse 7e–f)? What did He bestow upon them (Isaiah 63:8a–b)? What did He become in order to give this (verse 8c)? How much did He identify with them (Isaiah 63:9a–b)? Why and how did He come to identify with them in this way (verse 9c)? What has He done for them (verse 9d) for how long (verse 9e)? But what did they do (Isaiah 63:10a)? And how did He respond (verse 10b–c)? What did He remember (Isaiah 63:11a–b)? And what, specifically (Isaiah 63:11-13; cf. Numbers 14:11–25)? How easily does the Lord do the work in Isaiah 63:14a–b? What else does He do as easily (verse 14c–d)?
With what does prayer for help and revival begin? Isaiah 63:7–14 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that prayer for help and revival begins with the Lord’s own character and commitment.
Ḳesseds begin and end Isaiah 63:7 in the original. The one praying (cf. Isaiah 63:15) here reminds God of His own covenant love. He also reminds God that it was from His own character (and certainly not in response to any goodness in them) that the Lord committed Himself to His people (Isaiah 63:8-9). “My people” (Isaiah 63:8a), “children” (verse 8b) and “redeemed” (Isaiah 63:9c) are all the language of family and legal relationship. He committed Himself to save them (Isaiah 63:8c, Isaiah 63:9b) and keep them from their own lies (Isaiah 63:8b). He has loved them from beginning to end (Isaiah 63:9d–e). This has required discipline (Isaiah 63:10), but also persistent patience, for the sake of His glory and Spirit, which He had invested in saving them, and called to remembrance (Isaiah 63:11-13). How glorious and powerful is God? It was no more difficult to him than giving a beast a rest in a valley (Isaiah 63:14a–b). His Spirit rules and overrules all things, small and great. And by His Spirit, He completes the salvation of His redeemed.
How can you be saved from your sin and rebellion? What is God remembering when He saves you?
Sample prayer: Lord, we are amazed at Your love and power in which You redeem. Remember Your character, in which You committed to save us. And, glorify Yourself, Your love, and power by leading us now in the same love, through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP23B “The LORD’s My Shepherd” or TPH433 “Amazing Grace”
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