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Isaiah 64:1
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Context
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Paul Washer
Duncan Campbell
Leonard Ravenhill
A.W. TozerLeonard Ravenhill
David Wilkerson
Richard Owen RobertsSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O that thou wouldest rend the heavens - This seems to allude to the wonderful manifestation of God upon Mount Sinai.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down,.... Before, the church prayed that the Lord would look down from heaven and behold, Isa 63:15, now that he would open the heavens, and descend from thence; not by change of place, for he fills heaven and earth with his presence; but by some visible display of his power, in destroying her enemies, and delivering her from them. Some take this to be a prayer for the first coming of Christ from heaven to earth, by his incarnation, in order to redeem and save his people; and others that it is for his second coming to judgment, to take vengeance on his adversaries, when his wrath will burn like fire; but rather it is for his spiritual coming, to avenge his church and people on antichrist, and the antichristian states. She had seen him, as a triumphant conqueror, stained with the blood of his enemies; and now she prays for the accomplishment of what she had seen in vision and prophecy: that the mountains might flow down at thy presence; kings and princes of the earth, and kingdoms and states governed by them, compared to mountains for their seeming firmness and stability; yet these will melt like wax, and flow like water, tremble and disappear at the presence of the King of kings, when he comes forth in his great wrath against them; as it is explained in the next verse, that the nations may tremble at thy presence; see Rev 16:20. Here ends the sixty third chapter in the Targum.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. The petition is that God would appear wonderfully for them now, Isa 64:1, Isa 64:2. Their case was represented in the close of the foregoing chapter as very sad and very hard, and in this case it was time to cry, "Help, Lord; O that God would manifest his zeal and his strength!" They had prayed (Isa 63:15) that God would look down from heaven; here they pray that he would come down to deliver them, as he had said, Exo 3:8. 1. They desire that God would in his providence manifest himself both to them and for them. When God works some extraordinary deliverance for his people he is said to shine forth, to show himself strong; so, here, they pray that he would rend the heavens and come down, as when he delivered David he is said to bow the heavens, and come down (Psa 18:9), to display his power, and justice, and goodness, in an extraordinary manner, so that all may take notice of them and acknowledge them. This God's people desire and pray for, that they themselves having the satisfaction of seeing him though his way be in the sea, others may be made to see him when his way is in the clouds. This is applicable to the second coming of Christ, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 2. They desire that he would vanquish all opposition and that it might be made to give way before him: That the mountains might flow down at thy presence, that the fire of thy wrath may burn so fiercely against thy enemies as even to dissolve the rockiest mountains and melt them down before it, as metal in the furnace, which is made liquid and cast into what shape the operator pleases; so the melting fire burns, Isa 64:2. Let things be put into a ferment, in order to a glorious revolution in favour of the church: As the fire causes the waters to boil. There is an allusion here, some think, to the volcanoes, or burning mountains, which sometimes send forth such sulphureous streams as make the adjacent rivers and seas to boil, which, perhaps, are left as sensible intimations of the power of God's wrath and warning - pieces of the final conflagration. 3. They desire that this may tend very much to the glory and honour of God, may make his name known, not only to his friends (they knew it before, and trusted in his power), but to his adversaries likewise, that they may know it and tremble at his presence, and may say, with the men of Bethshemesh, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? Who knows the power of his anger? Note, Sooner or later God will make his name known to his adversaries and force those to tremble at his presence that would not come and worship in his presence. God's name, if it be not a stronghold for us, into which we may run and be safe, will be a strong-hold against us, out of the reach of which we cannot run and be safe. The day will come when nations shall be made to tremble at the presence of God, though they be ever so numerous and strong. II. The plea is that God had appeared wonderfully for his people formerly; and thou hast, therefore thou wilt, is good arguing at the throne of grace, Psa 10:17. 1. They plead what he had done for his people Israel in particular when he brought them out of Egypt, Isa 64:3. He then did terrible things in the plagues of Egypt, which they looked not for; they despaired of deliverance, so far were they from any thought of being delivered with such a high hand and outstretched arm. Then he came down upon Mount Sinai in such terror as made that and the adjacent mountains to flow down at his presence, to skip like rams (Psa 114:4), to tremble, so that they were scattered and the perpetual hills were made to bow, Hab 3:6. In the many great salvations God wrought for that people he did terrible things which they looked not for, made great men, that seemed as stately and strong as mountains, to fall before him, and great opposition to give way. See Jdg 5:4, Jdg 5:5; Psa 68:7, Psa 68:8. Some refer this to the defeat of Sennacherib's powerful army, which was as surprising an instance of the divine power as the melting down of rocks and mountains would be. 2. They plead what God had been used to do, and had declared his gracious purpose to do, for his people in general. The provision he has made for the safety and happiness of his people, even of all those that seek him, and serve him, and trust in him, is very rich and very ready, so that they need not fear being either disappointed of it, for it is sure, or disappointed in it, for it is sufficient. (1.) It is very rich, Isa 64:4. Men have not heard nor seen what God has prepared for those that wait for him. Observe the character of God's people; they are such as wait for him in the way of duty, wait for the salvation he has promised and designed for them. Observe where the happiness of this people is bound up; it is what God has prepared for them, what he has designed for them in his counsel and is in his providence and grace preparing for them and preparing them for, what he has done or will do, so it may be read. Some of the Jewish doctors have understood this of the blessings reserved for the days of the Messiah, and to them the apostle applies these words; and others extend them to the glories of the world to come. It is all that goodness which God has laid up for those that fear him, and wrought for those that trust in him, Psa 31:19. Of this it is here said that since the beginning of the world, in the most prying and inquisitive ages of it, men have not, either by hearing or seeing, the two learning senses, come to the full knowledge of it. None have seen, nor heard, nor can understand, but God himself, what the provision is that is made for the present and future felicity of holy souls. For, [1.] Much of it was concealed in former ages; they knew it not, because the unsearchable riches of Christ were hidden in God, were hidden from the wise and prudent; but in latter ages they were revealed by the gospel; so the apostle applies this (Co1 2:9), for it follows (Isa 64:10), But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit; compare Rom 16:25, Rom 16:26, with Eph 3:9. That which men had not heard since the beginning of the world they should hear before the end of it, and at the end of it should see, when the veil shall be rent to introduce the glory that is yet to be revealed. God himself knew what he had in store for believers, but none knew besides him. [2.] It cannot be fully comprehended by the human understanding, no, not when it is revealed; it is spiritual, and refined from those ideas which our minds are most apt to receive in this world of sense; it is very great, and will far outdo the utmost of our expectations. Even the present peace of believers, much more their future bliss, is such as surpasses all conception and expression, Phi 4:7. None can comprehend it but God himself, whose understanding is infinite. Some give another reading of these words, referring the transcendency, not so much to the work itself as to the author of it: Neither has the eye seen a god besides thee, who doth so (or has done or can do so) for him that waits for him. We must infer from God's works of wonderous grace, as well as from his works of wondrous power, from the kind things, as well as from the great things, he does, that there is no god like him, nor any among the sons of the mighty to be compared with him. (2.) It is very ready (Isa 64:5): "Thou meetest him that rejoices and works righteousness, meetest him with that good which thou hast prepared for him (Isa 64:4), and dost not forget those that remember thee in thy ways." See here what communion there is between a gracious God and a gracious soul. [1.] What God expects from us, in order to our having communion with him. First, We must make conscience of doing our duty in every thing, we must work righteousness, must do that which is good and which the Lord our God requires of us, and must do it well. Secondly, We must be cheerful in doing our duty, we must rejoice and work righteousness, must delight ourselves in God and in his law, must be cheerful in his service and sing at our work. God loves a cheerful giver, a cheerful worshipper. We must serve the Lord with gladness. Thirdly, We must conform ourselves to all the methods of his providence concerning us and be suitably affected with them, must remember him in his ways, in all the ways wherein he walks, whether he walks towards us or walks contrary to us. We must mind him and make mention of him with thanksgiving when his ways are ways of mercy (in a day of prosperity be joyful), with patience and submission when he contends with us. In the way of thy judgments we have waited for thee; for in a day of adversity we must consider. [2.] We are here told what we may expect from God if we thus attend him in the way of duty: Thou meetest him. This intimates the friendship, fellowship, and familiarity to which God admits his people; he meets them, to converse with them, to manifest himself to them, and to receive their addresses, Exo 20:24; Exo 29:43. It likewise intimates his freeness and forwardness in doing them good; he will anticipate them with the blessings of his goodness, will rejoice to do good to those that rejoice in working righteousness, and wait to be gracious to those that wait for him. He meets his penitent people with a pardon, as the father of the prodigal met his returning son, Luk 15:20. He meets his praying people with an answer of peace, while they are yet speaking, Isa 65:24. 3. They plead the unchangeableness of God's favour and the stability of his promise, notwithstanding the sins of his people and his displeasure against them for their sins: "Behold, thou hast many a time been wroth with us because we have sinned, and we have been under the tokens of thy wrath; but in those, those ways of thine, the ways of mercy in which we have remembered thee, in those is continuance," or "in those thou art ever" (his mercy endures for ever), "and therefore we shall at last be saved, though thou art wroth, and we have sinned." This agrees with the tenour of God's covenant, that, if we forsake the law, he will visit our transgression with a rod, but his lovingkindness he will not utterly take away, his covenant he will not break (Psa 89:30, etc.), and by this his people have been many a time saved from ruin when they were just upon the brink of it; see Psa 78:38. And by this continuance of the covenant we hope to be saved, for its being an everlasting covenant is all our salvation. Though God has been angry with us for our sins, and justly, yet his anger has endured but for a moment and has been soon over; but in his favour is life, because in it is continuance; in the ways of his favour he proceeds and perseveres, and on that we depend for our salvation, see Isa 54:7, Isa 54:8. It is well for us that our hopes of salvation are built not upon any merit or sufficiency of our own (for in that there is no certainty, even Adam in innocency did not abide), but upon God's mercies and promises, for in those, we are sure, is continuance.
Isaiah 64:1
A Prayer for God’s Power
1If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, 2as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!
- Scripture
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- Commentary
"Too Intense?" "Radical?"
By Paul Washer10.0K03:56Radio ShowPSA 67:2ISA 64:1HOS 4:6MAT 16:24ACT 20:242TI 1:71PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young boy being shot for crying out in the name of Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the need for true holiness and godliness among believers, calling for a turning away from sin and a wholehearted pursuit of God. He challenges the audience to prioritize the proclamation of the gospel and the advancement of God's kingdom, even if it means risking their lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of knowing and living according to the Word of God.
The Fire of God
By Duncan Campbell9.2K48:28Fire Of God1KI 18:37PSA 85:6ISA 64:1JOL 2:28MAT 6:33ACT 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a remarkable move of God in a village in Persia called West Ben Haar. The village experienced a great stir and many people professed faith in Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the difference between carnal and spiritual aspects of Christianity, and laments the lowering of standards and conformity to worldly ways in evangelistic efforts. The sermon highlights the desperate need for revival in the current world, stating that nothing short of a supernatural manifestation of God's power can address the dire situation.
Don't Blame It on the Devil
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K58:04SinfulnessAccountabilityDivine InterventionISA 64:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the dangers of blaming the devil for our shortcomings. He reflects on the importance of divine intervention in a world filled with sin and chaos, urging believers to seek God's presence and guidance. Ravenhill highlights the necessity of obedience to God, asserting that true victory comes from a relationship with Him rather than external circumstances. He calls for a revival of the church, warning against complacency and the need for a return to the core truths of the Gospel. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that God is always present, ready to help those who earnestly seek Him.
His Immensity - Part 3
By A.W. Tozer3.1K22:49ImmensityPSA 46:10ISA 64:1MRK 8:36PHP 3:8COL 3:3HEB 4:9REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses the deep longing and emptiness that exists within every human soul. He emphasizes that even though people may have fame, success, and worldly pleasures, they still cry out for something more. The preacher suggests that this longing can only be satisfied by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He encourages the audience to seek God in silence and prayer, and to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly pursuits. The sermon concludes with a call to surrender the world and find true fulfillment in Jesus alone.
Woe, Lo, and Go - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K12:54Seeking God's PresenceVisionPurity2CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 6:5ISA 64:1MAT 5:8JHN 14:13ROM 6:7JAS 3:61PE 1:16REV 3:18Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for personal cleansing and purity before God, as exemplified by the prophet's cry of being undone and having filthy lips. He highlights the dangers of unclean speech within the church and the necessity of being touched by God's purifying fire. Ravenhill calls for a deep, personal commitment to God, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit's power to transform their lives and to confront the spiritual blindness prevalent in the church today. He passionately advocates for a radical change in the hearts of believers, encouraging them to desire God's presence above all else. The sermon concludes with a call to action, inviting individuals to come forward and seek God's transformative fire in their lives.
When God Comes Down
By David Wilkerson2.5K40:09ISA 64:1ACT 2:1REV 12:12This sermon emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to come down and bring revival to the church, focusing on the urgency of the times and the importance of preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. It highlights the hunger for God's presence, the outbreak of joy as evidence of the Holy Spirit's movement, and the expectation of a powerful manifestation of God's glory worldwide.
Revival Theology
By Richard Owen Roberts2.5K1:56:24RevivalHoliness2CH 7:14ISA 64:1Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes the critical need for revival in the church, expressing his distress over the lack of longing for God's presence among believers. He highlights that true revival brings the nearness of God, leading to deep repentance and a renewed understanding of holiness and the nature of sin. Roberts warns against superficial treatments of spiritual issues and calls for a return to a biblical understanding of God, emphasizing that revival is essential for genuine conversions and the progress of the gospel. He urges the congregation to pray fervently for revival, recognizing that it is a divine visitation that transforms lives and communities. Ultimately, he calls for a collective longing for God's glory to be manifested in the church and society.
Heart-Cry for World-Wide Revival
By Wesley Duewel2.0K1:02:25ISA 64:1LUK 11:9
This sermon passionately emphasizes the heart cry for revival, highlighting historical examples of how God has sent revival in response to fervent prayers and hunger for His presence. The speaker shares powerful illustrations, like the story of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival, to inspire a deep longing for God to send revival once more. The message underscores the importance of investing in prayer, faith, and preparation for revival, believing that God is willing and able to pour out His Spirit in extraordinary ways.
Prayer Power
By Jim Cymbala1.8K30:13PowerISA 64:1MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison as an example of God's intervention in difficult situations. The speaker emphasizes the power of prayer and the need to rely on God when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances. He shares a personal story of his own experience of praying for his daughter's spiritual awakening and how God answered his prayers. The sermon concludes with a call to the congregation to pray fervently for their loved ones and to trust in God's ability to break chains and awaken hearts.
What It Means to Wait Upon the Lord
By Al Whittinghill1.6K1:03:14Waiting On The LordPSA 25:3PSA 27:14PSA 106:11ISA 30:15ISA 64:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of becoming mighty in spirit and building a fortification in our hearts and lives against worldly pressures. The speaker emphasizes the need for daily choices and commitment to change our hearts and prepare ourselves for blessings from God. The sermon also highlights the significance of waiting upon God and being blown away by His deliverance from enemies. Additionally, the speaker mentions the importance of being watchmen and coming into God's presence to receive His guidance and make our lives a riverbed of light. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the value of truth in our hearts and lives, rather than just in our heads or notebooks, and the transformative power it can have if acted upon.
Leonard Ravenhill's America Is Too Young to Die
By David Ravenhill1.5K02:552CH 7:14PSA 33:12ISA 64:1EPH 6:18JAS 5:16
This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for prayer and spiritual revival in America, drawing attention to the moral, economic, political, and spiritual decline of the nation. It stresses the importance of humbling ourselves, turning from wickedness, and seeking God's face in prayer as the key to healing the land. The message highlights the necessity for desperate, fervent prayer to bring about a transformation and calls believers to a deeper level of intercession for the nation's restoration.
(Revival) What Is Revival - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown1.5K34:032CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 64:1JOL 2:28HAB 3:2ACT 1:8EPH 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing what we don't know. He uses examples of a person unaware of a storm damaging their belongings and an employee unaware of their impending termination to illustrate how ignorance can lead to a false sense of security. The speaker then applies this concept to the spiritual realm, stating that many Christians are unaware of how little they are walking in God's purpose and plan. Revival is described as a means to wake the body of believers from their spiritual lethargy and restore truth and obedience. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to realize their limitations and seek a deeper understanding of God's ways.
Praying for Revival
By Byron Paulus1.1K57:56Revival Prayer2CH 16:9PSA 6:4PSA 136:1ISA 61:2ISA 64:11CO 2:9EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories that illustrate the power of obedience and surrender to God. The first story is about a man who noticed a police car stationed at the entrance of his subdivision every day for six months. He later discovered that crime in the area had dropped significantly. The second story is about a man who turned himself in as a fugitive and ended up serving prison time. Despite feeling disappointed when no one showed up to his ministry launch, he realized that he had done it for God and not for people. The speaker then encourages the audience to pray for surrendered lives and to be moldable like clay in the hands of the potter.
The Burden for Revival
By Vernon Higham9191:06:36RevivalISA 64:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for revival in the land. He uses the analogy of a drought to illustrate how the absence of rain can lead to withering and a shortage in the future. The speaker also shares a story of a forest fire that threatened a village, but the people remained steadfast in their worship of God. He describes a powerful preaching experience where the congregation was in a stillness, as if chunks of eternity were thrust into time. The speaker emphasizes that many people are recognizing the need for God's intervention and are turning to Him for help.
Praise God
By Roy Daniel79730:38PSA 41:3PSA 51:12ISA 64:1ISA 64:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a farmer in South Africa who preached with great power and anointing, despite never having attended Bible college. The speaker attributes this farmer's effectiveness to his daily practice of spending three hours praising God. The sermon references Psalm 107, which emphasizes the importance of praising the Lord for His goodness and wonderful works. The speaker also shares a personal testimony about experiencing a loss of joy and finding restoration through God's intervention.
Tongues of Fire and the Fullness of God
By John Piper62640:52Book Of ActsPSA 85:6ISA 64:1MAT 6:33LUK 18:7ACT 2:1ACT 4:31EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker argues that the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1-8 is still valid and necessary until the Great Commission is completed. The speaker supports this argument by pointing to historical examples of breakthroughs in world evangelization that occurred through the extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The speaker also emphasizes that the power promised in Acts 1-8 is not ordinary power, but rather an extraordinary empowerment for the purpose of completing the Great Commission. The sermon concludes with a personal testimony of D.L. Moody, who experienced a powerful encounter with God that resulted in numerous conversions and a deep desire for more of God's power.
When We Need Revival: Barrenness of Soul
By Ronald Glass59657:06RevivalPSA 85:6PSA 119:1PSA 119:17PSA 119:125ISA 64:1HAB 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of seeking God's word and rest when we become exhausted in our ministry. Using the example of Elijah, who ran away in fear, the preacher emphasizes the need for a word from God, rest, and encouragement. The preacher also highlights the role of revival in awakening spiritually asleep believers and the danger of being attracted to the world. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Psalm 44:20-21, to support these points.
Wait, Watch & Worship - Advent 2017
By Michael Flowers49221:41AdventPSA 119:11ISA 64:1MAT 6:331CO 1:9REV 22:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses our tendency to want to fast forward and speed up the process of growth and construction in our lives. He uses the example of watching a video of a nine-year construction process in just three minutes, highlighting our impatience and desire for instant results. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's timing and walking in Kingdom time, rather than being consumed by chronological time. He encourages listeners to wait, watch, and worship in faith, trusting that God is at work even when we can't see it.
Open Heaven and the Baptism of Jesus - Epiphany
By Michael Flowers37626:15EpiphanyISA 42:1ISA 64:1MRK 1:7MRK 1:10LUK 1:41JHN 1:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts and instead embracing the forgiveness, grace, and mercy of God. He highlights the concept of the Trinity and the deep relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages the audience to meditate on John 17 for a deeper understanding of this relationship. He also discusses the distorted perception of Christianity and the need for the church to proclaim the voice of the Father and embrace the beauty of art and music. The sermon concludes with a reflection on Jesus' baptism and the significance of the voice from heaven affirming him as the beloved Son of God.
H, That You Would Rend the Heavens
By Shane Idleman29837:50PSA 51:10ISA 64:1JER 29:13MAT 3:11LUK 11:13JHN 7:38ACT 1:8GAL 5:22EPH 5:18JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the crucial need for the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, highlighting the importance of surrender, removing idols, and seeking a downpour of the Holy Spirit. It stresses the cost of seeking God wholeheartedly, breaking up hardened hearts, and cultivating love and compassion as fertile soil for God's work. The speaker urges listeners to prepare for a spiritual downpour, drawing examples from historical figures who experienced transformation after encountering the Holy Spirit.
2 Missing Ingredients to Answered Prayer
By Shane Idleman3431:48Answered PrayerRepentance and DesperationDEU 28:1ISA 64:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the two missing ingredients to answered prayer: repentance and desperation. He explains that when prayers seem unanswered, it may be due to disobedience or a lack of earnestness in seeking God. Drawing from Isaiah's plea for God to rend the heavens, he highlights the importance of a heart that yearns for God's presence and the necessity of diligently obeying His voice. Idleman warns that unrepentant sin can create a barrier between us and God, making our prayers feel ineffective. Ultimately, he encourages believers to press in with faith, recognizing that God's timing and will are paramount in our prayer lives.
5 Things That Hinder Presence of God
By Shane Idleman3055:38Spiritual WarfarePresence of God2CH 7:14PSA 139:23ISA 64:1JER 6:16MAT 6:24MAT 11:28ROM 1:281CO 9:27HEB 11:6JAS 5:16Shane Idleman emphasizes the five key hindrances to experiencing the tangible presence of God, which include secret sin, being too full of worldly distractions, a lack of desperation, a lack of fervency in prayer, and the failure to slow down and wait on God. He highlights that true communion with God requires deep repentance and a fervent pursuit of His presence, which can transform our lives and relationships. Idleman calls for a return to the old paths of prayer and worship, urging believers to seek God with urgency and sincerity, as desperation often leads to spiritual breakthroughs.
The Millennial Kingdom: Jesus' 1,000-Year Reign on Earth
By Mike Bickle2343:45Millennial KingdomEnd TimesPSA 110:6ISA 2:3ISA 9:7ISA 61:4ISA 64:1MAT 24:30JHN 15:16EPH 1:9HEB 12:26REV 20:4Mike Bickle discusses the Millennial Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of correcting common false assumptions about Jesus' 1,000-year reign on Earth. He explains that this period will be characterized by Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, affecting all aspects of life, and that the natural realm will not be suspended but will continue to function alongside the supernatural. Bickle highlights the need for a paradigm shift in understanding the continuity between the current age and the Millennial Kingdom, stressing that social improvements will be gradual and require human involvement. He also clarifies misconceptions about the second coming and the rapture, asserting that they are distinct events. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to engage with Scripture to reshape their understanding of the end times.
Mis Direction - Failure Is Not Final
By Shane Idleman1949:45FastingGod's PromisesGEN 15:6PRO 16:9ISA 64:1JOL 1:14MAT 6:16ROM 8:28ROM 8:38Shane Idleman emphasizes that failure is not final and encourages believers to seek God's direction through fasting and prayer, especially in light of the moral decline in society. He calls for a corporate fast for the nation, urging individuals to starve their flesh and seek a deeper relationship with God. Idleman highlights the importance of believing in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire, and reminds the congregation that misdirection can lead to growth and learning. He reassures that God hears the cries of His people and that nothing can separate them from His love, encouraging them to strengthen themselves in the Lord amidst challenges.
Oh God, Would You Rend the Heavens?
By Shane Idleman1939:38Spiritual AwakeningDesperation for GodISA 64:1MAT 11:28JAS 4:8Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for God to rend the heavens and come down, igniting a spiritual awakening in the hearts of believers. He calls for a deep desire and desperation for God's presence, urging Christians to move beyond complacency and engage in fervent prayer and intercession. Idleman highlights that true encounters with God can transform lives, revealing our spiritual barrenness and igniting a passion for holiness. He challenges the church to seek God's manifest presence actively, reminding them that God acts for those who wait on Him with expectation. Ultimately, he encourages believers to return to God, embrace repentance, and experience the life-changing power of His presence.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O that thou wouldest rend the heavens - This seems to allude to the wonderful manifestation of God upon Mount Sinai.
John Gill Bible Commentary
O that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst come down,.... Before, the church prayed that the Lord would look down from heaven and behold, Isa 63:15, now that he would open the heavens, and descend from thence; not by change of place, for he fills heaven and earth with his presence; but by some visible display of his power, in destroying her enemies, and delivering her from them. Some take this to be a prayer for the first coming of Christ from heaven to earth, by his incarnation, in order to redeem and save his people; and others that it is for his second coming to judgment, to take vengeance on his adversaries, when his wrath will burn like fire; but rather it is for his spiritual coming, to avenge his church and people on antichrist, and the antichristian states. She had seen him, as a triumphant conqueror, stained with the blood of his enemies; and now she prays for the accomplishment of what she had seen in vision and prophecy: that the mountains might flow down at thy presence; kings and princes of the earth, and kingdoms and states governed by them, compared to mountains for their seeming firmness and stability; yet these will melt like wax, and flow like water, tremble and disappear at the presence of the King of kings, when he comes forth in his great wrath against them; as it is explained in the next verse, that the nations may tremble at thy presence; see Rev 16:20. Here ends the sixty third chapter in the Targum.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, I. The petition is that God would appear wonderfully for them now, Isa 64:1, Isa 64:2. Their case was represented in the close of the foregoing chapter as very sad and very hard, and in this case it was time to cry, "Help, Lord; O that God would manifest his zeal and his strength!" They had prayed (Isa 63:15) that God would look down from heaven; here they pray that he would come down to deliver them, as he had said, Exo 3:8. 1. They desire that God would in his providence manifest himself both to them and for them. When God works some extraordinary deliverance for his people he is said to shine forth, to show himself strong; so, here, they pray that he would rend the heavens and come down, as when he delivered David he is said to bow the heavens, and come down (Psa 18:9), to display his power, and justice, and goodness, in an extraordinary manner, so that all may take notice of them and acknowledge them. This God's people desire and pray for, that they themselves having the satisfaction of seeing him though his way be in the sea, others may be made to see him when his way is in the clouds. This is applicable to the second coming of Christ, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 2. They desire that he would vanquish all opposition and that it might be made to give way before him: That the mountains might flow down at thy presence, that the fire of thy wrath may burn so fiercely against thy enemies as even to dissolve the rockiest mountains and melt them down before it, as metal in the furnace, which is made liquid and cast into what shape the operator pleases; so the melting fire burns, Isa 64:2. Let things be put into a ferment, in order to a glorious revolution in favour of the church: As the fire causes the waters to boil. There is an allusion here, some think, to the volcanoes, or burning mountains, which sometimes send forth such sulphureous streams as make the adjacent rivers and seas to boil, which, perhaps, are left as sensible intimations of the power of God's wrath and warning - pieces of the final conflagration. 3. They desire that this may tend very much to the glory and honour of God, may make his name known, not only to his friends (they knew it before, and trusted in his power), but to his adversaries likewise, that they may know it and tremble at his presence, and may say, with the men of Bethshemesh, Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? Who knows the power of his anger? Note, Sooner or later God will make his name known to his adversaries and force those to tremble at his presence that would not come and worship in his presence. God's name, if it be not a stronghold for us, into which we may run and be safe, will be a strong-hold against us, out of the reach of which we cannot run and be safe. The day will come when nations shall be made to tremble at the presence of God, though they be ever so numerous and strong. II. The plea is that God had appeared wonderfully for his people formerly; and thou hast, therefore thou wilt, is good arguing at the throne of grace, Psa 10:17. 1. They plead what he had done for his people Israel in particular when he brought them out of Egypt, Isa 64:3. He then did terrible things in the plagues of Egypt, which they looked not for; they despaired of deliverance, so far were they from any thought of being delivered with such a high hand and outstretched arm. Then he came down upon Mount Sinai in such terror as made that and the adjacent mountains to flow down at his presence, to skip like rams (Psa 114:4), to tremble, so that they were scattered and the perpetual hills were made to bow, Hab 3:6. In the many great salvations God wrought for that people he did terrible things which they looked not for, made great men, that seemed as stately and strong as mountains, to fall before him, and great opposition to give way. See Jdg 5:4, Jdg 5:5; Psa 68:7, Psa 68:8. Some refer this to the defeat of Sennacherib's powerful army, which was as surprising an instance of the divine power as the melting down of rocks and mountains would be. 2. They plead what God had been used to do, and had declared his gracious purpose to do, for his people in general. The provision he has made for the safety and happiness of his people, even of all those that seek him, and serve him, and trust in him, is very rich and very ready, so that they need not fear being either disappointed of it, for it is sure, or disappointed in it, for it is sufficient. (1.) It is very rich, Isa 64:4. Men have not heard nor seen what God has prepared for those that wait for him. Observe the character of God's people; they are such as wait for him in the way of duty, wait for the salvation he has promised and designed for them. Observe where the happiness of this people is bound up; it is what God has prepared for them, what he has designed for them in his counsel and is in his providence and grace preparing for them and preparing them for, what he has done or will do, so it may be read. Some of the Jewish doctors have understood this of the blessings reserved for the days of the Messiah, and to them the apostle applies these words; and others extend them to the glories of the world to come. It is all that goodness which God has laid up for those that fear him, and wrought for those that trust in him, Psa 31:19. Of this it is here said that since the beginning of the world, in the most prying and inquisitive ages of it, men have not, either by hearing or seeing, the two learning senses, come to the full knowledge of it. None have seen, nor heard, nor can understand, but God himself, what the provision is that is made for the present and future felicity of holy souls. For, [1.] Much of it was concealed in former ages; they knew it not, because the unsearchable riches of Christ were hidden in God, were hidden from the wise and prudent; but in latter ages they were revealed by the gospel; so the apostle applies this (Co1 2:9), for it follows (Isa 64:10), But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit; compare Rom 16:25, Rom 16:26, with Eph 3:9. That which men had not heard since the beginning of the world they should hear before the end of it, and at the end of it should see, when the veil shall be rent to introduce the glory that is yet to be revealed. God himself knew what he had in store for believers, but none knew besides him. [2.] It cannot be fully comprehended by the human understanding, no, not when it is revealed; it is spiritual, and refined from those ideas which our minds are most apt to receive in this world of sense; it is very great, and will far outdo the utmost of our expectations. Even the present peace of believers, much more their future bliss, is such as surpasses all conception and expression, Phi 4:7. None can comprehend it but God himself, whose understanding is infinite. Some give another reading of these words, referring the transcendency, not so much to the work itself as to the author of it: Neither has the eye seen a god besides thee, who doth so (or has done or can do so) for him that waits for him. We must infer from God's works of wonderous grace, as well as from his works of wondrous power, from the kind things, as well as from the great things, he does, that there is no god like him, nor any among the sons of the mighty to be compared with him. (2.) It is very ready (Isa 64:5): "Thou meetest him that rejoices and works righteousness, meetest him with that good which thou hast prepared for him (Isa 64:4), and dost not forget those that remember thee in thy ways." See here what communion there is between a gracious God and a gracious soul. [1.] What God expects from us, in order to our having communion with him. First, We must make conscience of doing our duty in every thing, we must work righteousness, must do that which is good and which the Lord our God requires of us, and must do it well. Secondly, We must be cheerful in doing our duty, we must rejoice and work righteousness, must delight ourselves in God and in his law, must be cheerful in his service and sing at our work. God loves a cheerful giver, a cheerful worshipper. We must serve the Lord with gladness. Thirdly, We must conform ourselves to all the methods of his providence concerning us and be suitably affected with them, must remember him in his ways, in all the ways wherein he walks, whether he walks towards us or walks contrary to us. We must mind him and make mention of him with thanksgiving when his ways are ways of mercy (in a day of prosperity be joyful), with patience and submission when he contends with us. In the way of thy judgments we have waited for thee; for in a day of adversity we must consider. [2.] We are here told what we may expect from God if we thus attend him in the way of duty: Thou meetest him. This intimates the friendship, fellowship, and familiarity to which God admits his people; he meets them, to converse with them, to manifest himself to them, and to receive their addresses, Exo 20:24; Exo 29:43. It likewise intimates his freeness and forwardness in doing them good; he will anticipate them with the blessings of his goodness, will rejoice to do good to those that rejoice in working righteousness, and wait to be gracious to those that wait for him. He meets his penitent people with a pardon, as the father of the prodigal met his returning son, Luk 15:20. He meets his praying people with an answer of peace, while they are yet speaking, Isa 65:24. 3. They plead the unchangeableness of God's favour and the stability of his promise, notwithstanding the sins of his people and his displeasure against them for their sins: "Behold, thou hast many a time been wroth with us because we have sinned, and we have been under the tokens of thy wrath; but in those, those ways of thine, the ways of mercy in which we have remembered thee, in those is continuance," or "in those thou art ever" (his mercy endures for ever), "and therefore we shall at last be saved, though thou art wroth, and we have sinned." This agrees with the tenour of God's covenant, that, if we forsake the law, he will visit our transgression with a rod, but his lovingkindness he will not utterly take away, his covenant he will not break (Psa 89:30, etc.), and by this his people have been many a time saved from ruin when they were just upon the brink of it; see Psa 78:38. And by this continuance of the covenant we hope to be saved, for its being an everlasting covenant is all our salvation. Though God has been angry with us for our sins, and justly, yet his anger has endured but for a moment and has been soon over; but in his favour is life, because in it is continuance; in the ways of his favour he proceeds and perseveres, and on that we depend for our salvation, see Isa 54:7, Isa 54:8. It is well for us that our hopes of salvation are built not upon any merit or sufficiency of our own (for in that there is no certainty, even Adam in innocency did not abide), but upon God's mercies and promises, for in those, we are sure, is continuance.