February 3: THE HOPE BEYOND MOURNING

The sound of noise from the city! A voice from the temple! The voice of the LORD, Who fully repays His enemies! Isaiah 66:6

Suddenly Isaiah’s mind projects to a time of restoration! He envisions the once-desolate city bustling with life. What he describes is the powerful presence of God with His faithful people. In this verse, as with other places in Scripture, the sudden presence of the LORD is the greatest blessing for some, but the worst nightmare for others. These contrasts are rolled into one connected thought as an appeal to individuals to abandon their role as an enemy of God.

The scene of glorious restoration intertwined with judgement points to the surety of the LORD’s promises. The very ones who tremble at His word (v.5) clearly understand that they were previously in the same state as the enemies of God (see Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 6:11).

Isaiah writes in the metaphoric language of a woman giving birth, mentioning a male child (v.7), the promised Messiah, and giving birth to her children (v.8). The results of the earthly ministry of Jesus, the ministry of His followers, and the patriarchs who looked forward in faith beforehand, point to an assembly that together comprises Zion, the people of God. The holy city of God is also a reference to His people. Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her. Rejoice with joy with her, all you who mourn for her (v.10).

The last phrase may seem incongruent, but the time of mourning is a necessary element in God’s overall plan: that of drawing sinners into a state of genuine repentance and mourning for their sins. Jesus included this element of the plan at the beginning of His first public address: “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

God’s redeemed people, as citizens of heaven even while still living on the earth, are commanded to rejoice . . . and be glad because of the living hope that is within them for those who have yet to become heavenly citizens. There is still time for all you who love [Jerusalem] to continue spreading the everlasting gospel. Yes, the redeemed have mourned over the separation from God that their own sins had caused, but there is also mourning for family, friends, and loved ones who are potential citizens of the New Jerusalem. Hope is the fuel that causes preaching, witnessing, and intercessory prayer to continue.

The last chapter of Isaiah’s book presents its final appeal in the form of the radical contrast between the unending glory and peace that awaits the redeemed and the ignominious fate of the rebellious. Countless warnings throughout Scripture prove that He is merciful, not wanting any to perish. Promises of the glory He wants to share with His redeemed people demonstrate His firm belief that having us with Him in His kingdom increases its glory…

For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her [Jerusalem] like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees.” Isaiah 66:12

Expand your vision: Isaiah 48:18; 49:22; 60:4,5,16; 66:11; Romans 12:19; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 3:21