Glorious Hope in the Old Testament

Isaiah 65:17–18 (ESV) “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.

As Isaiah comes to a close we are invited to eternal hope. For all the warnings this prophet has laid out to God's people. For the back and forth that continues in almost every chapter - judgment, God's mercy, hope, back to judgment. We know that all is pointing to a final destination in glory. A new heavens and a new Earth. A wonderful joy so overwhelming that our sorrow and struggle will not come to mind!

We have in Isaiah 65 a clear picture of the next age of the universe. 

Isaiah 65:19–20 (ESV) I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. 20 No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.

No more weeping. No more infant dying. Now some call this age the Millenial reign of Christ for death is still a part of this hope. It is hard to argue against that considering how both the positive hope and still reality of death decorate this passage. 

In this age, we see construction and progress. 
Isaiah 65:21–22 (ESV) They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

Heaven will not be boring. We will be engaged in business and building. We shall enjoy this new creation with wonderful delight as we cultivate as God intended from the Garden of Eden. That old curse of sin - frustrated work and the sweat of our brow - will be no more. 
Isaiah 65:23 (ESV) They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the LORD, and their descendants with them.

On top of this, prayers will be answered as they are spoken!
Isaiah 65:24 (ESV) Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

Either Isaiah describes the millennium spoken of in Revelation 20 or he speaks in Earthly terms about our eternal home in the final age. Whatever the case, our future is POSITIVE. 

Christians should be the most positive people in the planet. We know how the story ends. We know the future is not dark and bleak, it is bright and glorious. I don't understand why some believe the Old Testament is so negative. Yes, God chastises His people. But God does so to redeem, purify and prepare them for the glorious hope they have in Him. 

Are you weeping now? Be encouraged that through Christ it will end! Are you discouraged now? Be certain that in Christ it's only temporary. We are invited to join with Israel and receive the promise and enjoy His constant care, discipline and direction. We need it. We are made for it. Amen. 


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