A Seed Shall Come Forth

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PASSAGE: Isaiah 65:1-12

COMMENT: As so often happened with the nation of Israel, God found her to be a rebellious people; a people who had forsaken the Lord. In the mean while, the Lord is found of those who sought Him not. And, though the rebellious people will be judged for their iniquities, a remnant—a seed—shall come forth to seek the Lord and they will receive His blessings.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   Israel is a people that sacrifices in ___________ and burns incense on altars of ________.

2.                   The children of Israel have become to the Lord a ________ in His nose and a _______ that burns all the day.

3.                   Because of their continued iniquities, the Lord will measure their former _______ into their bosom.

4.                   Yet, the Lord will bring forth a seed out of _________, and out of Judah an __________ of His mountains.

5.                   __________ shall be a fold of flocks and the valley of __________ a place for the herds to lie down.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   Carefully read verses 2, 3, 11, and 12. Make a list of the characteristics of rebellious people.

2.                   Jesus cast the devils out of the maniac of Gadara (see Mark 5:1-17). Compare that story with Isaiah 65:4 and see how many similarities you can find.

3.                   The phrase, “new wine,” is mentioned 22 times in the Bible. Compare Isaiah 65:8 with Proverbs 3:10 and try to come up with a definition for new wine.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   Compare Isaiah 65:1 with Isaiah 65:12. Who is the Lord speaking of in each of these verses? What application can be made to today of this pattern?

2.                   The Lord is still describing a rebellious people in Isaiah 65:5 when he reports that they say, “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.” How can a rebellious people have a “holier than thou” attitude? What does this mean? Where does this spirit come from? What are some examples of this attitude today? What is the cure for this spirit?  

SUGGESTED MEMORY VERSES: Isaiah 65:1, 8

MEDITATION: At Home in the Cemetery

Over the years, my interest in history has increased. As I have been drawn to the local history of churches and pastors, one odd practice has emerged. I enjoy stopping at old cemeteries and looking around. I have on more than one occasion made some wonderful discoveries. Though this interest is not fully understood by my wife, she puts up with it admirably—only occasionally moaning a bit when I pull into another cemetery.

Yet, as odd as this practice may seem to some, it is a very meaningful occupation. However, there is another kind of obsession with death and cemeteries that is not so productive. In Isaiah 65:4, the prophet describes rebellious people as those who “remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments.” The maniac of Gadara who was filled with a Legion of devils did not abide “in any house, but in the tombs” (Luke 8:27).

This is an obsession most foul. The most extreme examples of rebellion toward God and submission to satanic influence lead the followers to an obsession with death. We see this in the youth culture of despair. They may wear black lipstick and watch gruesome horror films depicting violent death. Death is often the theme of their music, their clothing, their entertainment, and their musings. Sometimes, they even kill others or themselves.

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