Confession of Israel

Isaiah 59:1–15
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This chapter answers the question many are asking today, “Why is the world in such a mess? God’s answer to this question is given in the opening words of chapter 59. The problem is not with God, but with man (vv. 1-3). This passage describes the wickedness of Israel (particularly since this chapter is addressed to the nation), and beyond that, to the whole world. The Apostle Paul quotes Romans 3 to show that this applies to the whole race of men (Rom 3:7-8). This is an excellent description of what theologians call “the depravity of man.” God says there is something wrong with us. It is foolish for any of us to deny it.

The problem is not so much the presence of human sin, for God has an answer for that, but the problem that separates man from God is an unwillingness to admit to that evil (vv. 4-8). That is what keeps God from acting on our behalf. Man is reluctant to admit that he is contributing to the problems he faces. People seem to be blind to the fact that selfish ways and self-centered actions and attitudes are directly connected with the terrible evils that flood our land and fill our newspapers today. It is very difficult to get them to accept the fact that God’s wrath comes upon mankind because of our wrong attitudes and actions. This is why so much drug abuse, child abuse, wife beating, incest, homosexuality, pornography, and other terrible things are happening. We are unwilling to admit our evil and this is oftentimes true of Christians as well as the world. However, there is a dramatic change. A group comes forth who do admit their part in the problem (vv. 9-15). They are the remnant of Israel, the tiny believing band of Jews who acknowledge they have done wrong. They give a full acknowledgment that the problem is with you and me and not God!

Application

I want to be quick to admit that it is my sin that separates me from God, tell Him that I am sorry and ask Him to forgive me.