“Then at last the people will look to their Creator and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 17:7

Isaiah 17 looks ahead to the judgment of Israel. Because of her unfaithfulness, her “glory will grow dim” (v. 4). The land will be devastated, and only a few people will remain (vv. 5-6). Finally, after experiencing so much suffering, “the people will look to their Creator and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel” (v. 7).

Have you ever experienced something like this? You make choices in your life that are selfish, ones that seem to advance your own cause. For a while all seems well, but then the results of your sinful actions begin to crash upon you like waves during a storm. As you are battered, you realize the folly of your ways. Then, and only then, do you turn your eyes to God, looking for help from the only one who can save you. Is this story at all familiar to you?

The amazing part of this story isn’t what I’ve said so far. That’s altogether common and predictable. No, the amazing part is the conclusion. When we turn to God, he is there for us. When we call out, he hears. When we cry out for mercy, he reveals himself to us as a God who is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4). Now, that’s amazing grace!

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have you ever played out this story in your own life? When? What finally led you to look to your Creator? What happened then?

PRAYER: O Lord, when I read this chapter I think of the times I’ve charged out to seek my own ways, yet leaving you in the dust. For a while all seems fine, but then reality catches up with me, and I am miserable. So I turn to you “just as I am, without one plea.” And you are there for me! You haven’t abandoned me, though I abandoned you. Your grace is plentiful; your mercy rich.

Yes, sometimes cleaning up the mess of my sinful choices isn’t pleasant. But your presence and power make all the difference in the world. How I thank you for the riches of your mercy to me!

But, Lord, what I wish is that I would look to you, not after the mess, but before it, so that I might walk in your ways each and every day. Let this be so! Amen.