God’s Hand Still Stretched Out
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Isaiah 9:8 – 10:4 and Psalm 111 (NIV)
(Emmeline Wong from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Isaiah 9:12,17, 21 and Isaiah 10:4 (NIV)
“For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.” Isaiah 10:4b
OBSERVE:
Isaiah 9:8–10:4 is a sobering picture of God’s judgment against Israel’s pride and rebellion. Even though God sent discipline through calamities, the Israelites responded with arrogance and self-reliance. Instead of humbling themselves, they boasted of rebuilding stronger (9:10). Instead of inquiring of God, they relied on their elder and honored man and their prophet who taught lies (9:15–16).
The passage reveals four cycles of judgment, each ending with the same chilling refrain: God’s anger remains, and His hand is still stretched out. This repetition emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the consequences of ignoring divine correction.
APPLY:
This passage confronts me with my response to correction. I recall a recent incident when a friend made a comment about me which put me on the defensive. I reflected upon my reaction and repented of how quick I was to give myself an excuse in response to my friend’s comment. When God corrects, many a time through well-meaning loved-ones or friends, it is an invitation to return to Him. His chastisement is His love and mercy to call me back to Him.
The passage also warns against the danger of a spiritual leadership that misled the Israelites. As a leader, I must be vigilant about how I respond to difficulties faced by my members. There’s often pressure to move quickly toward solutions without pausing for spiritual reflection. I must create intentional space for my members to examine their hearts before God. This means slowing down to ask what might God be teaching us through the difficulties.
DO:
I should SEEK God’s face in times of correction or difficulties.
Search my heart to identify areas where I’ve relied on myself rather than depended on God.
Entrust my struggles and failures to God through prayer, seeking His mercy and guidance in repentance.
Encourage others to seek God first, pointing them to His wisdom instead of human solutions.
Keep trusting in God’s loving discipline, knowing His correction flows from His desire to restore me.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve responded to Your correction with pride or indifference. Soften my heart to hear Your voice and obey. Help me to walk humbly, love mercy, and act justly. May Your hand not remain stretched out against me but instead guide me in grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
