Wrapped up Isaiah this morning. “Did not my heart burn?” I think as I sit back and reflect on this year’s journey through the prophet’s words.

Lots I still don’t fully understand. Not sure I really know how all the dots connect, or will be connected. But this I know, my God is an awesome God. Great in power to deal with sin decisively, yet overflowing in love, calling people to Himself with grace abundantly. A God who is ready.

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by My name. I spread out My hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices.

(Isaiah 65:1-2 ESV)

Divine commentary in Romans 10:20 tells me that I am “those.” Those who did not ask for God. Those who did not seek Him. Those who were strangers of the call and covenant of Abraham (Eph. 2:11-12). Those who, though they knew God through creation, chose instead to rebel against the Creator in order to walk in their own way (Rom. 1:19-21) — “a way that is not good.”

Yet, while I was not asking . . . though I was not seeking . . . despite the fact I had no direct claim on the promises . . . even as I walked down my own road and followed my own devices, He was ready. Ready to be sought, ready to be found.

Why? Not because He needed us. Not as if before creation He was lonely. No, the all sufficient God of eternity has forever known full communion and fellowship within His triune self — having loved the Son before the foundation of the world (Jn. 17:24) and having known the Son’s perfect love and fellowship in return. No, God didn’t need us. But, wonders of wonders, He wanted us.

Ready to be sought. Ready to be found.

And “long ago, at many times and in many ways”, He said “Here I am, here I am” by the prophets. “But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (Heb. 1:1). The hands spread out to a rebellious people the hands of a stretched out Christ on a cruel Roman cross.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” ~ Jesus

(John 12:32 ESV)

I will draw people who did not ask for Me. I will draw people who did not seek Me. I will call out to them, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Yes, I will spread out My hands for them. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34). “It is finished!” (Jn. 19:30).

Why? Because God is love. Because He delights in His creation being loved. And though, at one time, we were not ready to be loved — some of us for many years — He was ready. Ready to love. And love us He has. And love us He will. Even to the uttermost.

By His grace alone. For His glory alone.