"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 57:15
Part 1
This chapter in the book of Isaiah points out Israel’s future rebellion because of her false worship. Israel’s history is full of spiritual highs as they love and worship Jehovah, their God. And then there are the devastating lows where they have in their pride walked away from God and followed false gods. As Isaiah prophesies future judgment, there is hope for some. For the faithful who humbly love and serve their God, there is mercy. And we find that the High and Holy One is also a God of Mercy!
“For thus saith the high and lofty One.”
This describes who God is. If a person desires to become “right with God” he/she must understand who He is so that they may respond correctly to Him. He is not our “buddy,” He is the “high and lofty One.” There is none greater than He is.
“That inhabiteth eternity.”
This tells us His nature. He is the “eternally dwelling One.” He goes beyond both time and space, and lives in eternity, and yet He comes down to man.
The proud man thinks he can keep God in his pocket. Like his pet, he can bring God out whenever he wants Him and put Him back whenever he chooses. How foolish and arrogant! Our sovereign God resides in eternity!
“Whose name is Holy.”
This gives us His name. His name is “Holy One.”[1] This tells us that He is “absolutely pure and good.” He is separate from all evil, and the proud rebellion that sinners are known for. And yet in His grace, the Holy One has revealed Himself to mankind as the God of salvation. He displays to mankind His “love and wrath, grace and judgment.”[2]
Sinful man cannot go to the Holy God in his own way, or by his own terms. The only way we may approach God is by going to Him as He requires.
“I dwell in the high and holy place.”
This reveals where He lives. He lives far beyond the grasp of sinners. And yet, nothing escapes His knowledge.
“Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!” (Psalm 113:5-6).
“For the heaven of heavens is not too great for Him, and a human heart is not too small for Him to dwell in. And He who dwells upon cherubim, and among the praises of seraphim, does not scorn to dwell among the sighs of a poor human soul” (K&D).
Praise God, He lives in eternity, and in all who are Born Again! Come back tomorrow as we learn what God thinks of the “humble and contrite” person.
Quote: “I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility. I do not mean by humility, doubt of his own power, or hesitation in speaking his opinion. But really great men have a…feeling that the greatness is not in them but through them; that they could not do or be anything else than God made them”[3] (John Riskin).
[1] Keil & Delitzsch, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] K&D, ibid.
[3] John Riskin’s quote. Downloaded: Tuesday, June 23, 2020. From: https://bible.org/illustration/test-truly-great-man.