Throughout Isaiah God offers punishment and reward for Israel and most of its neighbors. It is awesome to read what God asked Isaiah to write. And after discussion of obedience, disobedience, retribution and redemption, in Chapter 66, God tells us how he views Himself - and his creation:.
Verses 1-2:
"66 The Lord said:
Heaven is my throne;
the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house
could you build for me?
In what place will I rest?
2 I have made everything;
that’s how it all came to be.
I, the Lord, have spoken.
The people I treasure most
are the humble—
they depend only on me
and tremble when I speak."
Note - the humble are NOT the only ones he treasures - but they are the ones He treasures most. Much later, we learn that the saved include those who are so saved 'by the skin of their teeth'. Others saved have their works tested by fire and all of it burns up!
God's mercies are new every day. He wants obedience - not sacrifice. Good works are not the root of salvation. Good works are the fruit of salvation. Or, as John the Immersing Prophet said -
Matthew 3:8 -
" 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance..."
Take time to read God's word. His will, work and ways are laid bare for us to see. May God's word guide you each day.