the God Who revives

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,

who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

“I dwell in the high and holy place,

and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,

to revive the spirit of the lowly,

and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Isaiah 57:15

This verse has three important movements. It starts with WHO GOD IS. 1) He is high and lifted up.  This is a call back to Isaiah 6:1 and the vision of Him on His throne. God is the ruler in control. 2) God inhabits eternity. Time means nothing to Him in His plane of existence. He moves our moments as He sees fit. 3) God’s very name is holy! He is always right and completely perfect, unlike anything I know in my own heart or in any of my experiences outside of God.

The verse then moves to WHERE GOD IS. He is simultaneously dwelling and ruling from His heavenly throne room AND also with His people. That is our hope and assurance in this life. God is with us! Yet we must take note, He is with those humble and contrite people who truly worship Him in the benefit of His presence.

And finally, the passage importantly shows us WHAT GOD DOES. He revives lowly spirits and contrite hearts. With those who will humbly submit to the Lordship of Christ and the Salvation of God He will bring life and renewal! In Jesus, God is with us and renews us! What could be better?