DECEMBER 30, 2025 – MY SERVANTS

READ: Isa. 65:1–25: … I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people … who provoke Me to anger continually to My face … I will not keep silence, but will repay … That I may not destroy them all … My elect … My servants shall sing for joy of heart … I create new heavens and a new earth … I will rejoice in Jerusalem …

In response to Isaiah’s fervent plea, God gives His answer.
Verse 1: “I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me.” Does this refer to Israel or the Gentiles?

Paul cites this verse in Rom. 10:20, explaining that if Israel will not receive God and the Christ in faith, then God and Christ turn to the Gentiles. Paul also quotes verse 2: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people” (Rom. 10:21).

The LORD is not dependent on Israel—the people He so loved, cherished, and cared for. He allows Himself to be found by whomever He chooses. If Israel shows no repentance, He passes them by.

From verse 3 onward, the LORD enumerates how grievously Israel has provoked Him by their abominable idolatrous practices, concluding: “I will repay!”

Yet the LORD’s justice is tempered by His mercy. He points to a small remnant within Israel that has remained faithful to Him. Verse 8: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it,’ so will I do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all.”

The LORD continues to choose and remember His own; He knows the way of the righteous and spares them. This is the mercy He shows His people. The faithful remnant will rejoice, while the majority must bear God’s curse (vv.9–16).

The rich promise given to this faithful remnant is that God will create new heavens and a new earth—where righteousness alone will dwell, full of joy, peace, and prosperity (vv.17–25).

Do we now also see a remnant within the church?
Sing: Ps. 106:19,21