HIS HAND IS STILL OUTSTRETCHED

"Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and He hath stretched forth His hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still." KJV (Isaiah 5:26)

The people of Israel are unique among all people in the flesh. Not only were they the custodians of Divine revelation and service (Rom 9:3-4), they provided a vivid picture of how God yearns for the hearts of men. Although they were obstinate and rebellious, the Lord bore long with them, teaching the world something of His gracious intentions for humanity. At times, Israel so angered the Lord that He "abhorred His own inheritance" (Psa 106:40). Once, He even gave them a "bill of divorce" because of their adulterous ways (Jer 3:8). His chastisements against them were so strong that "even the hills did tremble," as nature itself convulsed at the fierceness of His anger. It is said of His terrible anger against Israel, "He was furious, and greatly abhorred Israel, so that He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, The tent He had placed among men, and delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy's hand. He also gave His people over to the sword, and was furious with His inheritance. The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given in marriage" NKJV (Psa 78:59-63). Surely, there can be no hope for such a people! But this is NOT the case at all! Even though His wrath was kindled against them, and He abhorred His own inheritance, yet "His hand is outstretched still." Still, He is waiting, that He may be gracious unto them (Isa 30:18). Although they have been unworthy of the least of His mercies, the Lord declares, "all day long I have stretched forth my hand unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom 10:21).
In all of this, Israel has provided a vivid picture of the longing heart of God. Although His wrath abides on those who do not believe (John 3:36), His heart still yearns over them. "His hand is stretched out still," offering pardon and peace. While it is true there are incorrigible people with whom the Spirit no longer strives, they are the exception, not the rule. In our dealings with people, it is good to keep our hands outstretched to them, like our Lord, holding forth the Word of life in a wicked generation (Phil 2:16). In our own measure, and according to our ministry, we can be like the husbandman who "waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain" (James 5:7).