Isaiah 57 · Grade 4

A Contrite and Humble Spirit

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Read and Think

Isaiah 57 begins sadly: "The righteous perish, and no one lays it to heart." But God says the righteous one "enters into peace." Then God strongly rebukes people who had turned to idols. Their idols could not save them, "but he who takes refuge in me will possess the land, and will inherit my holy mountain."

God says, "Build up, build up, prepare the way!" Then comes a wonderful verse: God, "the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy," says that he dwells "in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble." The greatest God lives close to humble hearts.

God would not stay angry forever. "I have seen his ways, and will heal him. I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him." He promises, "Peace, peace, to him who is far off and to him who is near." In the New Testament, Ephesians 2:17 says Jesus preached peace to those far off and near. But the wicked are "like the troubled sea" that cannot rest.

Show What You Know

Where does the righteous one go?
Who will possess the land?
Who does the high and holy God live with?
Which New Testament verse says Jesus preached peace to far and near?

Think About It

The highest God lives with the humble. Why do you think God is close to humble people?
God offers peace to those far off and near. Who do you know who might feel far from God?

Memory Verse

For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 57:15 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for living with the humble. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

What two truths does verse 15 teach?
When has doing wrong made you feel uneasy inside?