What actions can we take to avoid the consequences described in Isaiah 64:12? Setting the Scene of Isaiah 64:12 Isaiah 64 paints a picture of a devastated people whose temple lies in ruins and whose hearts feel God’s silence. Verse 12 cries, “After all this, O LORD, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure?”. The feared outcome is prolonged divine silence and overwhelming affliction. Consequences to Be Avoided • God restraining His rescuing hand • God keeping silent rather than answering • Affliction that feels “beyond measure” Actions That Turn God’s Face Toward Us 1. Genuine Repentance • “Return, faithless people… and I will cure you of backsliding” (Jeremiah 3:22). • Confess specific sins, forsake them, and embrace God’s mercy (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9). 2. Wholehearted Prayer and Intercession • Isaiah’s prayer in verses 1–11 models pleading for God to “rend the heavens.” • Persist like the widow before the judge (Luke 18:1–8), confident He “hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). 3. Humble Dependence on God’s Character • Isaiah appeals to God as “our Father” (64:8). • Remember God’s covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9) and rely on His compassion (Lamentations 3:22–23). 4. Obedience Flowing from Love • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Align lifestyle, speech, finances, and relationships with Scripture (James 1:22). 5. Pursuit of Holiness and Justice • “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8), refusing the sins that brought Judah low—idolatry, oppression, and empty worship (Isaiah 1:13–17). 6. Corporate Worship and Reverence • Rebuild the “altar” of gathered praise (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Exalt God’s glory over personal comfort, countering Judah’s neglect of the temple (Haggai 1:7–8). 7. Remembering and Proclaiming God’s Deeds • Isaiah recalls past deliverances (63:7–14); do likewise to strengthen faith (Psalm 77:11–12). Heart Postures God Honors • Contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17) • Trembling at His word (Isaiah 66:2) • Steadfast trust (Isaiah 26:3–4) • Joyful gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Living These Truths Daily • Schedule regular self-examination and confession. • Keep a prayer journal to track God’s answers, combating any sense of silence. • Engage in accountability with believers who encourage obedience. • Serve the vulnerable, reflecting God’s justice and mercy. • Saturate life with Scripture, allowing it to correct and guide choices. Promises for Those Who Respond • “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you” (Jeremiah 29:12). • “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). • “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves” (Zephaniah 3:17). By embracing repentance, fervent prayer, humble obedience, and a lifestyle of holiness, believers can avert the silence and affliction Isaiah feared and instead experience God’s attentive, restoring presence. |
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