Isaiah 57:20–21: “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, / When it cannot rest, / Whose waters cast up mire and dirt. / ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.'”

September 20th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The word wicked here means those who persist in their wickedness by not responding to God’s goodness. Isaiah was saying that there is no peace for the unrepentant sinner. The consequences of sin will keep dogging a person, reminding them of their guilt. They are like a stormy sea, always churning and unable to find rest. Moses wrote something similar in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” But peace comes to the person who humbles himself and surrenders to God.

History records that Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria was buried in the crypt of the Church of the Capuchin in Vienna. Like all royals before him, the royal procession was halted at the entrance by a voice inside the church saying, “Who is there?” “His most serene majesty, the Emperor Francis Joseph,” came the reply. The voice then said, “I know him not. Who is there?” A second attempt was made: “The Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary is outside.” Again the voice challenged, “I know him not. Who is there?” This time the voice outside replied, “A sinful man, our brother Francis Joseph.” Then the door was opened and the king’s body was brought in and laid to rest.

C.S. Lewis quoted Augustine, who said, “God gives where he finds empty hands.” Lewis went on to note that a man whose hands are full of parcels cannot receive a gift. Grace is a free gift given to those who recognize that they can only come empty-handed to the God who has given His only Son for the sins of the whole world. No matter how wicked our lives have been, when we repent, God’s grace is more than able to forgive our wickedness and bring us peace.

“LORD, it is grace that we need again this day along with forgiveness, mercy, and peace.”