Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"I will not contend forever"
Text: Isaiah 57:16
THE ANGER OF GOD EXPLAINED
The LORD took time to explain why He was so angry with Israel. He also gave a wonderful word of comfort and assurance.
“For I will not contend forever,
Nor will I always be angry;
For the spirit would fail before Me,
And the souls which I have made.
For the iniquity of his covetousness
I was angry and struck him;
I hid and was angry,
And he went on backsliding in the way of his heart.”
Isaiah 57:16-17
1. God’s anger:
a) Because of Israel’s covetousness.
b) Beneath it was the problem of iniquity (evil).
c) Because of Israel’s deep problem of a backsliding heart.
2. Manifestation of God’s anger.
a) God struck Israel:
i) Enemies prevailed.
ii) Assyria would overrun Israel.
iii) Israel would go into captivity.
b) He hid Himself from the nation.
i) Prayers were not answered.
ii) Protection was withdrawn.
iii) Provision was scarce.
3. God’s assurance.
a) He will not contend with Israel forever.
b) He will not retain His anger.
c) The human spirit will falter and fail if God continued to be angry.
d) The human soul cannot bear continuous Divine anger
for it will collapse and perish.