January 16: DRAWING POWER IN THE LAST DAYS
Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession. Isaiah 60:11
Isaiah’s prophetic imagery takes his gaze “across the Jordan” into the eternal city, the New Jerusalem. Let us compare today’s opening verse with John’s vision: And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. Revelation 21:24-26
Chapter 60 reveals that Isaiah is seeking to bring his fellow Hebrews back around to their ancient, universal destiny. God had chosen Abraham, that through him, all the families of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18). They were responsible to walk with God for the sake of the entire world. The universal purpose of God was to bless His chosen people so richly that the rest of the world would desire to know the true God. The universal appeal of this manner of blessing by God is to have a drawing power throughout the world. In our day, those who belong to Christ are seen as Abraham’s descendants (Galatians 3:29).
Though Isaiah’s gaze reaches into eternity, we are also able to get some clear ideas in chapter 60 of things that will occur before the Day of the Lord’s return. 1) His people will reflect His glory (v.2). 2) His people will see others coming and become radiant with joy (v.5). 3) People thought to be unreachable will choose to join God’s congregation (vv.7,9a). 4) They will bring their wealth into the church to help spread the gospel (vv.6,9b,10a,11). 5) Every nationality will be represented in the congregation (Isaiah uses the tree metaphor here). The sight of it will be so beautiful to the Lord that He declares “the place of My feet glorious (v.13). 6) Former enemies will humbly come, calling the established believers The City of the LORD (v.14). This is not so much a location as it is the company of God’s people wherever they are all over the world. 7) God promises to make all of His people “an eternal excellence” (v.15).
These are only some of the incredible blessings on the horizon. The Day that Jesus returns is fast approaching, and Peter reminds us that we can hasten it by our manner of conduct (see 2 Peter 3:11-12). The LORD Himself will ultimately decide the exact day and hour:
“I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.” Isaiah 60:22