No rest for the wicked
by Pastor Tim Klein
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘There is no peace’, says the Lord, ‘for the wicked’ (Isaiah 48:22).
I am sure you are familiar with the phrase, ‘no rest of the wicked’. The Bible is where it comes from. But who are ‘the wicked’, and what does this mean?
The Lord begins this section of Isaiah 48 with a call to his people: listen to me!
The implication is that they are not listening to the voice of the Lord but to others. So, the Lord reminds them who is speaking: ‘I am he; I am the first, and I am the last. My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand at attention’ (Isaiah 48:12,13).
It’s a bit like families when the kids aren’t listening. Most parents have that experience. And what do we do when our kids do not listen? Sometimes we remind them of who we are. We are asserting our role in the relationship. ‘I’m your mum or dad; I’m the one who feeds you and clothes you. I’m the one who provides you with all you need and then some. You need to listen to me for your own sake. It’s good for you to listen to me!’
God’s people need to listen to him: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go’ (Isaiah 48:17).
There is peace and rest for those who believe, listen, and obey. Jesus – Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6b) – gives us that peace.
Who are the wicked? Those who do not listen – and do not follow the word of the Lord.
What does it mean by they will have no peace? They will be lost from the kingdom. There will be no rest for them, and they will be cast out into the outer darkness.
But for those who place their faith and trust in the Lord and listen to him, there is mercy, life and eternal life in his kingdom.
Jesus, my Redeemer, name above all names, precious Lamb of God, Messiah, O for sinners slain. Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done. (Melody Green © 1982 Birdwing Music; Admin by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia)
Tim is the husband of the lovely Joylene, father of three and their spouses, and Pa to nine grandchildren. Tim loves family time. He also loves family time with his faith family at Faith Warradale, where he has served as the pastor for eight years. He has served as a pastor of the church in various capacities for more than 30 years. Tim also enjoys photography, pushbike riding and gardening and is a self-taught guitarist, Adelaide Conservatorium-trained singer, and writer of an occasional song. Tim says he looks forward to a couple more years as a full-time pastor and is open to where the Lord would use him beyond that.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
