Finding the Sweetness in a Mixed Bag
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months — and the year just keeps rolling on. Welcome back.
As we open Isaiah 59–63, I feel like a kid in a candy store. There’s so much to see and taste. But just like with candy, not every piece delights me. Sour candy has never appealed to me, and now that I’m older, sticky and hard candies are more of a challenge. These chapters are just like that mixed bag — varied in texture, sharp with truth, sweet with grace.
When God Feels Distant
The message begins with God’s unwavering availability:
“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” — Isaiah 59:1, NIV
Yet even with a long history of God’s provision, the people rebel. It’s true today, too. People ask me why I believe. I tell them — I’ve seen God work. Sure, you can’t see God directly. But you can’t see the wind either — just its effects. I’ve seen God’s effect on lives, including mine.
But sometimes, I notice His presence fading from my daily walk. That’s when I realize I’ve been moving in my strength — and not His.
The Disconnect of Sin
So I return to Him, and Isaiah gives language to this experience:
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you…” — Isaiah 59:2, NIV
I pray: “Lord, show me anything separating me from You.” The answer often hits hard. Pride. Greed. Arrogance. self-indulgence. As Isaiah says:
“Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood.” — Isaiah 59:7, NIV
Our justice and righteousness vanish (v. 59:9). We move fast but grope around in spiritual darkness. Our offenses pile up as we resist God’s timing and choose our own.
God’s Gracious Interruption
Here’s the beauty of the Gospel in action. Since no one was faithful — “for all have sinned…” (Romans 3:23, NIV) — God Himself steps in:
“His own arm achieved salvation for Him.” — Isaiah 59:16, NIV
When we repent, He places His righteousness on us — clothing us in Christ (v. 59:17). And He makes the transformation lasting by sending His Spirit:
“My Spirit… will not depart from you.” — Isaiah 59:21, NIV
Light After the Darkness
Now we can rise:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come…” — Isaiah 60:1, NIV
We are no longer stumbling. Instead of relying on ourselves, we trust Him. And He becomes our everlasting light and glory (vv. 60:17–19).
The Sweetness Worth Sharing
But this restoration comes with a calling:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… to proclaim good news to the poor.” — Isaiah 61:1, NIV
Salvation isn’t a private candy stash. I remember earning money as a kid and buying candy to share with my friends and family. That made the effort worthwhile — and that’s how the Gospel should feel. Joyfully shared.
When we share it, others see it working in our lives and want it too:
“You will be called by a new name… the crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand.” — Isaiah 62:2–3, NIV
We become the signposts to Beulah land (Isaiah 62:10), with Jesus as the gatekeeper. (John 14:6, NIV)
We Must Speak
We must proclaim salvation clearly.
If we don’t, those we love risk remaining in danger — subject to God’s judgment and wrath (v. 63:3). So we respond like Isaiah:
“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord…” — Isaiah 63:7, NIV
Let it never be said we held back the good news when hearts were searching. The mixed bag of Isaiah 59–63 reminds us: even amid darkness, there’s sweetness worth sharing.
Tomorrow, we will read Isaiah 64-66.