Isaiah 66

“All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2, ESV)

The last chapter of Isaiah reveals God’s vindication of His people and His indignation against the wicked. It previews the kingdom age when Israel will be exalted and all the nations will worship the LORD. What a fitting ending to this marvelous book!

Isaiah has revealed that the LORD is incomparable. There is no other God; He alone created the heavens and the earth; He alone is worthy of our praise. He lives in a high and holy place, but also with those who are humble and contrite in spirit. He regards the one who esteems His word and trembles before it.

Reverence for God’s word is the basis for every revival. When King Josiah was 26 years old, the book of the Law was discovered, as they made repairs on the temple (2 Kings 22:8). When they read it to Josiah, he tore his clothes in anguish and wept before the LORD because of the wrath that was upon them for their many offenses. When God saw this, He promised not to bring calamity against Judah in Josiah’s lifetime. In response, Josiah restored true worship to the nation and tore down the idolatrous images and pagan altars. Josiah devoted himself to serving the LORD with all his heart and all his soul.

Do we regard the whole counsel of the word of God? Do we give it preeminence in our lives? Do we tremble before Almighty God? Thankfully, we are in the age of grace where God’s perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). But we should never lose the fear of the LORD, for this remains the beginning of wisdom. We fear letting any sin separate us from the One who loves us the most. If we are poor in spirit, then we can be rich in God’s presence both now and forevermore!