Our text today is a prayer, in which the children of God recalled the mercies of God, acknowledging the mistakes they had done. The Lord in His mercy had chosen them to become His own possession – ‘For He said, “Surely they are My people, Children who will not lie.” So He became their Savior.’ (Isa 63:8) But in no time they went after many gods and chose their own ways. As they now cry out for His restoration, they remember His relationship to them: “You, O LORD, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.” (Isa 63:16).

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Let us examine two aspects of their life: (i) Staying under God’s protection (ii) Staying under Captivity

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Staying under God’s protection:

Now in their captivity, the Israelites remember and acknowledge the mercies of God and the ways the Lord had led them. From the slavery to the Promised Land, the Lord had guided, led, protected, provided and established them, and even given a great name amid the nations. God’s love for them is reflected in a personal way: “In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old.” (Isa 63:9). Throughout the Word of God, we see the marvellous ways God led the children of God. (Exo.19:4-6; Isa 63:7-14). Yet after all the blessing they received, they failed to keep His way and rebelled against Him. They moved away from His protection and walked into captivity.

As a child of God, it’s always good to be under His protection, submissive to His hands, walking in the way our Savior showed us and finishing the race marked out for us.

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Staying under Captivity:

The consequence of the rebellion hurt all the children of God.  They were so proud because the temple of God was in their midst and they thought no one will destroy the temple of God; but now “… our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary.” (Isa 63:18). Total destruction of the city, slavery and captivity were the results of rebellion. Their heart cry is seen in Isa 63:15-19.

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As a child of God, remember all that happened to them is a lesson for us—rebellion against the Holy Spirit led them to all this trouble. Slavery or staying under captivity deprives us of our freedom. 

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But we know today that Jesus Christ came to give His life to redeem us from the enemy and his slavery.  All through the history of man, rebellion against the Holy One is clearly visible. Romans 3:23 says, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” But our Father in His mercy sent forth His Son Jesus Christ who became a Sacrifice for Our Sin and opened the gateway of eternity for mankind— which one time was forbidden for mankind due to sin. Today, when we accept His lordship and follow His footsteps, He will lead us to our Father in heaven.

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But also remember, the One who now advocates for us will soon be the Judge. When we confront and turn away from our mistakes, He intercedes for us before our Heavenly Father against the accuser- because He is our Savior and Redeemer. But soon He will come as the Just Judge. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:18-19). When God’s grace and mercy is still extended to us today, let us turn to Him and be saved!

Remember:

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Ephesians 4:30