The Goodness And Grace Of God

 In this verse, we have a peep into The Goodness And Grace Of God towards His errant people, for He promised: "Rest and repose for the weary." However, this beautiful promise is immediately followed by the shocking response of God's rebellion nation, for we read: to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, “This is the place of repose"— but they would not listen.
The loving-kindness and suffering of the Lord is beautifully expressed in this little verse, but the final part of Isaiah's utterance is very disturbing: "BUT they would not listen." The nation whose God is the Lord, is Israel. But despite their great privileges and precious promises they would not harken to the Word of their God, listen to the warnings of Isaiah, nor change their ways when admonished by other prophets of God.
 Because they would not harken to the simple Word of the Lord, Isaiah prophesied that God would send a foreign army who would speak an alien language they could not understand. This invasion into their beautiful land would be a sign of God's judgement upon them. The offer of rest and respite for the weary was refused and would be replaced with severe punishment - and God would use a foreign army to administer His certain judgement upon them.
 As we consider the rebellion of Israel in the book of Isaiah and their refusal to listen to the Word of the Lord, each one of us should challenge our own heart and consider our own response to the Word of God. Do we listen to His voice or shut our ears to His leading and guidance? Do we go to the One Who says, "Come to Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest," or do we choose to go our own way?

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we can learn from the testimony and prophetic writings of Isaiah and other prophets of God who warn against disobedience and encourage us in our faith. May we open our ears to all that You have to say. Help us to stand fast on the Word of God, which gives life and health to the repentant sinners. In Jesus' name, AMEN.