God is Not Done With You Yet

Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of some of Judah's worst kings. Ahaz and Manasseh to name a couple. These are men who denied the Lord, worshipped false gods, sacrificed their children in the fire to Molech, and encouraged the nation to do the same. 

Yet time and again, as Isaiah weaves throughout his book the troubling warnings of utter devastation for this people, there are also several moments where he clearly enunciates a soon-coming redemption for them in spite of their sin. 

Isaiah 60:1–3 (ESV) Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

The pronouns in this chapter are feminine singular. What is God talking about? The city of Jerusalem. For all she has been through, God will cause her to shine among the nations. As darkness has covered the earth in the ignorance of God, there will be a light shining in the Galilean towns Who will manifest the glory of God for the nations to see.  

Not only will Jerusalem be the place where Christ will come and fulfill the purpose of God to bring reconciliation, she will be a destination for the nations. 

Isaiah 60:4 (ESV) Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

The next verse makes it clear that Jerusalem will be made rich by visitors from around the world. 

Isaiah 60:5 (ESV) Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

Each year millions of people come to Jerusalem to see the sights of the Savior. On top of that, Israel is a strategic partner to the world's richest country - America, who supports her financially to strengthen her military. All this while being surrounded by nations who want Jerusalem obliterated from the Earth. 

God's promises come true. 

Isaiah saw the Assyrian invasion turned back. Isaiah also prophesied the Babylonian captivity. But Isaiah will end this anthology with a promise of hope. Jerusalem will be radiant among the world's cities. 

Isaiah 60:7–9 (ESV) All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house. 8 Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? 9 For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful.

Again and again Isaiah describes the BEAUTY of Jerusalem. God DOES indeed care about presentation. He wants those who represent Him to bring Him glory through beauty inside and out. Consider David's handsome appearance, Moses' no-ordinariness, Esther's beauty and Timothy's youth. Even Sarah was an attractive woman well into her 70s. She had a beauty so strong Abraham saw it as a means for self-preservation. 

The point is clear. No matter what damage sin and the enemy has done. God is not DONE with His own. He will bring you back beautiful. He will accomplish great things on your behalf. 




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