Reading
- Isa. 65:1-66:24
- 2 Kings 19:37
- 2 Chron. 33:10-17
Devotional
Isaiah concludes his prophecy with a very sober reminder from GOD:
1 Thus says the LORD, “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? 2 “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
(Isa. 66:1-2 NASB)
GOD doesn't need any of us. He is so much higher and bigger than we are that it's as if He props His feet upon the earth. As a result, there is no house or building we could make that would contain GOD. To think otherwise is foolish. However, although GOD doesn't need us He makes it clear that He wants us. He wants a relationship with us. The one who is humble and contrite—a word which literally means "crippled;" think of it as spiritually broken-hearted—that is the one to whom GOD will show loving kindness and help.
Unfortunately, Manasseh king of Judah would not listen to GOD's messengers, nor would the people of Judah. Manasseh was taken captive by the king of Assyria and while he was in distress he turned to GOD for help. He humbled himself before GOD and GOD heard his prayer and returned him to Judah. After he got home Manasseh did everything he could to undo a life of wickedness. He tore down the idols, he rebuilt the outer wall of Jerusalem, he restored the LORD's altar and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings. He told Judah to serve GOD. The people continued sacrificing on the high places, but only to the LORD.
