57:14
The previous verse has just said “whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain”. Remember the circumstances that this word was spoken into, such a thing would have seemed impossible. And it wasn’t just rescue that God was promising, it was something much greater: inheriting the land and possessing God’s holy mountain. Jesus did not come just to rescue us, but to give us new life, a worthwhile life. This final section of the chapter expands on how this can be. God issues a command to “prepare the road” and to “remove the obstacles out of the way of my people”. It isn’t said who He gives this command to, but it is a decree from God.
57:15
Oh, what a wonderful verse this is, and it should be one that we metaphorically tie around our necks. “For this is what the exalted one says ... I dwell with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit”. This so goes against the wisdom of the world, but this is truth and this is life. Jesus said blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven was made for them. (Matt 5:3). The Lord is greatly exalted, He is Holy. How can we possibly have anything to do with Him? Why would He possibly want anything to do with us? But we can, and He does. He dwells with the contrite and lowly in spirit. We may feel weak and be all too aware of our sin and failings. We should take courage from the fact that God is close to those who humble themselves before Him.
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