Compassion Lavished, Love Extravagant!

Isaiah 63:7-9 (MSG)

"I will make a list of God’s gracious dealings, all the things God has done that need praising, all the marvelous things he has done in our lives. His great love, his huge, extravagant love, lavished on us. He said, 'I will never abandon you, no matter what.’ And He did not abandon us when we were in rebellion. When we turned our backs on Him, He was patient with us, filled with compassion for us. In His love, He rescued us. He did it all Himself, took on the work of salvation and the work of bringing us back. He didn't ask for help from anyone. He acted in full measure. When we hit rock bottom, He reached down and saved us. He has always done that. Even when we felt the weight of our own choices, He reached out His hand in love."

The Extravagance of God’s Love

In this passage, Isaiah 63:7-9 celebrates God’s immeasurable, compassionate love toward His people—love that is so lavish, so extravagant, that it defies our understanding. The word lavished implies an abundance of love that goes beyond what is needed. It’s as if God is pouring out love in overwhelming quantities, not holding back anything, but giving generously and freely. This love is extravagant because it is not measured by what we deserve but by God’s great mercy and grace.

When we think of extravagant, we often picture something beyond normal. It’s over the top, far-reaching, and abundant. This is how God’s love is described here—something so rich and overflowing that it’s difficult to comprehend. God’s love for us isn’t calculated or constrained by human limitations. It’s not a “just enough” kind of love, but one that abounds and overflows. He lavishes it on us in a way that fills our hearts, heals our wounds, and redeems our brokenness.

God’s Compassion in Our Brokenness

In verse 8, God’s compassion is emphasized: “He said, ‘I will never abandon you, no matter what.’” This unwavering commitment shows us that God’s love isn’t conditional or fleeting. No matter how far we wander, no matter how rebellious we may become, God’s compassion never leaves us. His love does not hinge on our performance or our perfection—it is steadfast. Even when we turn away from Him, He waits patiently and lovingly for us to return.

The passage acknowledges that there are times when we turn our backs on God, when we feel far from Him because of our mistakes or our struggles. Yet, in those very moments, God’s compassion is so lavish and overflowing that He doesn’t abandon us. Instead, He is filled with patience and understanding. He doesn’t hold our faults against us but reaches out with open arms, offering forgiveness and healing.

Rescue and Salvation: God’s Work Alone

The verses describe God’s act of rescue and salvation as something He does on His own. He doesn’t need our help, and He doesn’t need anyone to assist in His redemptive work. This is incredibly significant because it underscores the fact that salvation is all God’s doing. It is His grace and His initiative, from start to finish. God is the one who reaches down, takes the work of salvation upon Himself, and pulls us out of the depths.

Even when we hit “rock bottom” due to our own choices, God doesn’t leave us in despair. He reaches down, not out of obligation, but out of love. It’s a love that surpasses human understanding. It’s a divine love that seeks to restore and redeem, even when we have nothing to offer in return.

God’s Steadfast Love and Our Unwavering Hope

In these verses, God’s love is not only lavished and extravagant, but it is also steadfast and unshakable. It is a love that remains constant, even when our actions and our choices may cause us to feel separated from Him. It’s a love that continually pursues, rescues, and heals us. This love calls us to place our hope and trust fully in God’s ability to redeem, restore, and renew us.

When we feel burdened by guilt, shame, or failure, Isaiah 63:7-9 reminds us of the immense grace of God’s love—a grace that is bigger than our mistakes, stronger than our doubts, and always ready to draw us back to Himself. God’s love is constant, unwavering, and powerful enough to overcome our deepest struggles and reach into the broken places of our lives.

Reflecting on God's Lavish Love in Our Lives:

As you reflect on this beautiful passage, think about how God’s extravagant love has shown up in your life. How has He lavished you with grace, even in moments when you felt unworthy? How has He been patient with you, waiting for you to turn back to Him? What are the ways God has rescued you when you thought there was no hope?

Romans 8:39 tells us that nothing “in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” His love is not just a feeling; it’s an unshakable foundation that holds us, sustains us, and transforms us.

Embrace the Lavish, Extravagant Love of God!!!

In a world where we often feel unseen or unworthy, Isaiah 63:7-9 reminds us of God’s deep and enduring love—a love that is both patient and powerful. God’s compassion is a comfort, knowing that He is always present, always willing to forgive, and always ready to bring us back to Himself. Let us embrace this truth: His love is lavish, His grace is extravagant, and His desire for our restoration is unyielding. May we never forget how deeply we are loved by the Creator of the universe, and may we always live in response to this boundless, breathtaking love!!!