〉 Chapter 26—Isaiah’s Message: “Behold Your God!”
Chapter 26—Isaiah’s Message: “Behold Your God!”
Long had Satan sought to lead men to look on their Creator as the author of suffering and death. Those whom he had thus deceived regarded Him as watching to condemn, unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there was a legal excuse for not helping him. The law of love by which heaven is ruled had been misrepresented as a restriction on men’s happiness, a yoke from which they should be glad to escape. The archdeceiver declared that its precepts could not be obeyed. (SS 165.1)
In losing sight of God’s true character, the Israelites were without excuse. Often had God revealed Himself to them as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15, RSV. Tenderly had the Lord dealt with Israel in their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and in their journey to the Promised Land. “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.” Isaiah 63:9. Moses instructed them fully concerning the attributes of their invisible King. See Exodus 34:6, 7. (SS 165.2)
At the height of Israel’s rebellion the Lord had proposed to make of the descendants of Moses “a greater nation and mightier than they.” Numbers 14:12. But the prophet pleaded the promises of God in behalf of the chosen nation. And then, as the strongest of all pleas, he urged the love of God for fallen man. See Verses 17-19. (SS 165.3)
Graciously the Lord responded, “I have pardoned according to thy word.” Then He imparted to Moses a knowledge of His purpose concerning the final triumph of Israel: “Truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Verses 20, 21. God’s glory, His character, His tender love, were to be revealed to all mankind. And this promise was confirmed by an oath. As surely as God lives and reigns, His glory should be declared “among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, RSV. (SS 165.4)
Today this prophecy is meeting rapid fulfillment. Soon the gospel message will have been proclaimed to all nations. Men and women from every kindred, tongue, and people are being “accepted in the Beloved,” “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:6; 2:7. (SS 166.1)
In the vision in the temple court, Isaiah was given a clear view of the character of God. “The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet he was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord. He who dwells “in the high and holy place” dwells “with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15. (SS 166.2)
In beholding God the prophet had not only been given a view of his own unworthiness, there had come to his humbled heart the assurance of forgiveness, full and free; and he had arisen a changed man. He could testify of the transformation wrought through beholding Infinite Love. Henceforth he longed to see erring Israel set free from the burden and penalty of sin. “Why should ye be stricken any more?” “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:5, 18. (SS 166.3)
The God whose character they had misunderstood was set before them as the great Healer of spiritual disease. He who had been backsliding in the way of his heart might find healing by turning to the Lord. “I have seen his ways,” the Lord declared, “and will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18. (SS 167.1)
The prophet exalted God as Creator. His message to the cities of Judah was, “Behold your God!” Isaiah 40:9. “To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah 40:25, 26. (SS 167.2)
To those who feared they would not be received if they should turn to God, the prophet declared: “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” Verses 28-31. (SS 167.3)
The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan. “Fear thou not,” He bids them, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” “Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:10, 13. (SS 167.4)
Many who were wholly unacquainted with God’s attributes were yet to behold the glory of the divine character. For the purpose of making plain His merciful designs He kept sending His prophets with the message, “Turn ye again now everyone from his evil way.” Jeremiah 25:5. “For My name’s sake,” He declared through Isaiah, “will I defer Mine anger, and for My praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.” Isaiah 48:9. (SS 167.5)
The call to repentance was clear, and all were invited to return. “Seek ye the Lord while He may be found,” the prophet pleaded; “call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6, 7. (SS 168.1)
Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast on the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your plans thwarted and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? That voice comes to you distinct and clear, “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you.” Micah 2:10. Your Father invites you, saying, “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” “Come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 44:22; 55:3. (SS 168.2)
Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come. Repeat the promise of the Saviour, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own: “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7. (SS 168.3)
The exhortations of the prophet to Judah were not in vain. Some turned from their idols. They learned to see in their Maker love, mercy, and tender compassion. And in the dark days that were to come, the prophet’s words were to continue bearing fruit in decided reformation. Many were to behold the One altogether lovely. Their sins were to be forgiven, and they were to make their boast in God alone. They would exclaim, “The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.” Isaiah 33:22. (SS 168.4)
The messages borne by Isaiah to those who chose to turn from their evil ways were full of comfort and encouragement: (SS 169.1)
O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me.
I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions,
And, as a cloud, thy sins:
Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.
Isaiah 44:21, 22
(SS 169)
You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord,
For though Thou wast angry with me,
Thy anger turned away, and Thou didst comfort
me ... .
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

Isaiah 12:1-6, RSV
(SS 169)