When We Are Contrite
A Heart Revived

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 57:14-21

Key Verse: Isaiah 57:15

For this is what the high and lofty One says–he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

The word from God came to Isaiah, one of God’s major prophets, concerning the contrite. Our printed scripture paints a beautiful picture of God’s comfort to the contrite. The verse starts by reminding us that He who is high and lofty, whose name is holy, lives in a high and holy place! This part of Isaiah 57:15 doesn’t surprise us. Of course, God is holy and, of course He lives in a Holy place. It’s the later part of Isaiah 57:15 that surprises people the most: Who is with God? The contrite. Yes, the contrite get to live with the Holy One in His high and lofty place!

It is this very fact that revives the contrite heart, bringing it peace. The repentant, the truly remorseful, come before God with a lowly spirit. God receives this humble position and revives this heart to praise and honor! This is an Old Testament glimpse of the New Covenant of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus came on a lowly donkey, with a meek and humble spirit, and was brought back to glory to sit on the right hand of the Father! All who would call themselves Christ followers must come with this same humble and contrite spirit. We are received, forgiven and covered with His robe of righteousness.

As we approach God, through Jesus Christ, we have a boldness to receive His blessings each day. Never forget that these privileges came because we first had a contrite heart before Him!

Father, my sin had separated me from you and I deserved punishment. I bless you for receiving my contrite heart and washing me white as snow! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.