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Isaiah 60 begins a new section that looks ahead Christ’s Kingdom and rule. Remember, Isaiah was a prophet in the southern kingdom of Judah during the time when the northern kingdom, Israel, had already been destroyed by the Assyrians. So, these prophecies about the future glory of Israel would have been encouraging as the people were living in dark times.
At the time of Isaiah’s writing, there was certainly not any glory in Judah or Israel. They were living in a land which had been destroyed by war. The city walls were reduced to rubble and the temple stood in ruins. Here in Isaiah 60, there is hope despite the circumstances. Isaiah’s prophecy looks forward to a revived Israel with a restored temple and rebuilt city. Imagine what an encouragement it would have been to the people reading this during Isaiah’s time!
The theme Isaiah is touching on here is the same today as it was back then. Darkness flees in the presence of Jesus because Jesus is light. He will restore what has been lost. Here are a few of the promises of this chapter…
These are amazing promises! Just consider what they mean for us today. Through the Holy Spirit, righteousness is attainable. We can confidently approach God through Jesus and actually satisfy His standard through our fruitful obedience. This is not of our own doing but by the glory of God.
We will have permanent possession. This happens first through the Holy Spirit which takes up residence in our hearts. That transformation is a permanent sealing that assures we are God’s chosen. We are heirs to His kingdom as sons and daughters of the Most High. We get the opportunity to share His Good News as we disciple the nations. We will live in the New Heaven and New Earth for eternity!
As broken vessels, our power will obviously come from the Lord. By His grace we will produce great works that can only be explained by God’s mighty hand. Just as He has for centuries, God will take the weak and make them strong. He will confound the proud and arrogant on His way to proclaiming His infinite wisdom.
All of these promises are powerful features of a relational God. He doesn’t need us, but He still uses us for His purposes to bring glory to Himself.