DEVOTION:
Isaiah 65:1-9 (NIV)
"I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me..." (v.1)
THOUGHTS:
As I read this passage and the other associated with it, I can feel a holy ache in the words. Isaiah 65 paints a picture of a God who longs to be known, who stretches out His hands all day long to a people who refuse to listen, who walk in ways not good, who follow their own imaginations and desires. And yet… He still reaches.
This beautiful and powerful passage is not merely a rebuke; it is a revelation of the relentless grace of God. He reveals Himself not only to the devout but to the indifferent. He is found even by those who weren’t looking. He speaks to rebellious people and calls them "My people." And still does. It is easy to look at the world today and think: They’ve turned their backs on God. But Isaiah reminds us, this is not new, we’ve done that before. And God didn’t give up. He didn’t stop speaking, calling, or invite. There is still a remnant. There is still fruit on the vine. There is still mercy waiting to be poured out.
In a time when many walk away, God walks toward. In a time when earnest prayers are scarce, His voice is still speaking. Even when we do not seek Him, He finds us. This is not just a word for ancient Israel; it is for us. Our nation, our leaders, for every weary heart, for every soul that feels like it has wandered too far, for every church longing for revival but unsure where to begin. God is not hiding. He is reaching. Calling. And yes, He is still finding.
So let us respond. Let us continue to pray without ceasing, let us stand up and say no, let us be the hands and feet of the One who came to save, let our worship this morning be not from habit, but from hunger. Let us not miss His voice because we were too caught up in our own pr the political chaos. May we remember: our God does not abandon. He restores. He restores as nature naturally restores, so let us never give up and never grow weary of practicing kindness, love, mercy and justice despite what we may see. God is good.
PRAYER: (from the Western Mountains of Maine):
Almighty and Holy God, You are the source of all goodness and creation. As I look over the mountains, and streams, and the tall pines You offer peace. In this place where the air is clean and the silence sings Your name, we come to You this morning in worship and awe.
You, Lord, have stretched out Your hand across time and terrain, across rebellion and resistance, and still, You reach for us. Like the gentle wind that rustles the birch leaves all around me this morning, Your Spirit whispers grace even to those not listening. You call to hearts too stubborn, or big egos to answer, and yet You do not stop calling. Forgive us, Lord, for the ways we’ve turned to our own paths, for the moments we’ve chosen convenience over conviction, noise over nearness to You, power over humbleness. Lord forgive this nation. Father we Thank You that Your mercy is not fragile, that Your promises are not forgotten. Lord Jesus, we pray for those who feel far from You this morning, for the doubter, the wanderer, the one who thinks they’ve gone too far. Surprise them, Lord, as You always have. Let them be found even if they aren’t seeking. And may we, as Your people, not grow weary in our witness, but remain faithful and rooted in hope. Here in the stillness of the Maine mountains, I remember Your faithfulness that does not fade. Strengthen Your Church, rise up the souls of the EOCC, and awaken our hearts. Let Your name be praised from every valley and every hilltop. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.