Isaiah 63:5

God often uses people to carry out his purposes. But the great God, who has all power, does not actually need human help. What surprises God is his people’s failure to understand the reason for his direct action. (‘Direct action’ means the action that he carries out himself, without any agent.)

• God’s special people have still not realised the purpose of their special relationship with the *Lord. He did not choose them merely for their own comfortable benefit. His people should be an active witness to all the other nations. They should show to the other nations the behaviour that the holy God orders.

The *Lord’s goodness to his people

v7 I will gladly tell of the kind-hearted acts of the *Lord. That is, all his generous deeds for us who are his people. I remember with joy his great kindness on our behalf. I remember his goodness and love in all that he has done. v8 The *Lord said, ‘These people belong to me. I chose them. They will not again neglect to be loyal to me.’ v9 So the *Lord saved them from all their trouble and pain. And the *Lord was himself their Rescuer. He did not send someone to act on his behalf. The *Lord came personally to save them. In his love he pitied them, so he rescued them. He had always taken care of them in the past.

v10 But the *Lord’s people again turned away from him. That made his Holy Spirit sad. So the *Lord turned against them. And he attacked them as their enemy. v11 Then the people remembered what had happened in the past when Moses was their leader. That was the time when the *Lord brought his people safely through the sea. And then the *Lord placed his Holy Spirit among them. v12 God’s great power made a path through the sea in front of them. So they saw the power of God’s strong arm as Moses raised his hand. God did this so that he (God) would always deserve fame and honour. v13 The *Lord led them through the deep sea. And like powerful horses they did not trip on the way. v14 Then the Spirit of the *Lord gave them rest, just as a farmer’s animals find rest in a quiet valley. The *Lord guided his people perfectly. And he brought great honour to his name.