How does Isaiah 65:15 illustrate God's justice and mercy towards His servants? Context of the Verse Isaiah 65:15: “You will leave behind your name as a curse among My chosen ones; the Sovereign LORD will slay you, but He will give His servants another name.” Justice Displayed • God addresses the rebellious in Israel who persistently rejected Him (Isaiah 65:2–7). • “The Sovereign LORD will slay you” underscores that sin invites real, tangible judgment (cf. Ezekiel 18:30; Romans 2:6). • Their very name becomes “a curse,” a public reminder that turning from God brings shame and ruin (Deuteronomy 28:37). • Justice here is personal, precise, and inevitable—God Himself executes it, proving He never overlooks persistent unbelief (Galatians 6:7). Mercy Revealed • “But He will give His servants another name.” The contrast is striking—where rebellion ends in death, faithful servants receive a fresh identity. • This “other name” signifies: – Acceptance: They are fully owned by the Lord (Isaiah 43:1, “I have called you by your name; you are Mine”). – Honor: A name granted by God carries dignity and promise (Isaiah 56:5). – Permanence: Unlike a cursed name that fades, the new name endures forever (Revelation 2:17; 3:12). How Justice and Mercy Interlock • Same act of God, two different outcomes: wrath for rebels, grace for servants. • Both stem from His unchanging character—He is “abounding in love” (Psalm 86:15) yet “by no means leaving the guilty unpunished” (Exodus 34:7). • Justice removes evil; mercy preserves a remnant and promises renewal (Isaiah 65:8–10). A New Name—Practical Implications • Identity: Believers today are “called children of God” (1 John 3:1). Our worth flows from His naming, not our past. • Witness: A cursed name warns the world; a redeemed name invites it. God showcases both to draw people to repentance (Romans 11:22). • Assurance: If He changes our name, He guarantees our future (Philippians 1:6). Living It Out • Celebrate accountability—evil never ultimately wins. • Rest in adoption—your God-given name secures your place. • Walk in holiness—bear the new name well so that others see His mercy in you (1 Peter 2:9–12). |
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