In Isaiah 65, God’s patience is nearing its limits. In the first few verses of the chapter, He assesses Judah’s response to His gracious care for them:
“…I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’ To a nation which did not call on My name. I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts, a people who continually provoke Me to My face…”
The Israelites had complained against God from nearly the moment He brought them out of Egypt (Ex. 15:24). At times, they considered death a better outcome than the care of God through Moses (Num. 20:3). God assessed them perfectly in Isaiah 65. In verses 11-12, He gave a chilling statement to those who worshipped idol gods of fate and destiny. He said their destiny would be the sword, and they would bow down to the slaughter because they refused to heed His call.
Judgment was on its way, as it is today. God’s reason today is the same as it was then: “Because I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not hear. And you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight” (Is. 65:12).
God has spoken today for all to hear (Rom. 10:18). The gospel of Jesus has gone out as a message bringing hope to all who obey it but judgment to those who rebel against it. Just as God called the Israelites in days long past, He is now calling out to the whole earth, warning against the coming judgment, and offering hope through Jesus (Acts 17:30-31). God is calling; answer with obedience and enjoy the blessings of God!