Man Has Nothing To Offer God But Obedience.

Isaiah 65:18-66:4

“But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.  There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.”  (Isaiah 65:18-20)

When God restores Jerusalem and sets up the earthly kingdom, those who believe in Him will rejoice forever about what he has done, and He will rejoice as well.  Like a rebellious child who has finally gotten their act together so that the tension between him and his parents goes away.  As a result there will be no more sorrow or weeping.  There will be no more funerals for babies just a few days old, nor for older people who haven’t lived out their full lifespan.  An infant can expect to live a hundred years, but a person who continues in sin when he is old enough to know better will be cursed by God.  It is during the period known as the millennium.  After the new heaven and new earth are created there will be no more death. 

Isaiah 25:8-9 describes this period.  “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.  And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

“And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:21-25)

During that thousand year period, they will live as God intended them to, enjoying the fruits of their labors without fear of losing anything, experiencing again what God promised in Joshua 1:7; “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”

“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:1-2)

In Acts 17:24-25 Paul references what God says here, saying, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”  there is nothing mankind can do for God that he cannot do for himself.  What he wants from mankind is for them to put away their pride and trust Him.  In Acts 17:27, Paul says, “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:”

“He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.  I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” (Isaiah 66:3-4)

Hebrews 10:6 declares, “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.”  Though God specified that certain sacrifices would be acceptable and others would not, the sacrifices themselves are meaningless to Him.  What God wants is a proper attitude toward him, and mechanical or ritual offering of those sacrifices is no better than worshipping idols or offering unacceptable sacrifices.  Because they have chosen to ignore God’s commands while practicing the rituals, actively disobeying him and refusing to listen to his instructions, God will bring judgment on them.  The things they fear most will happen to them and they will find they have been deluded.  

The Rebellious Child

Isaiah 64:8-65:17

“But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.  Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.” (Isaiah 64:8-9)

Like rebellious children who insist on having their own way, constantly neglecting their own responsibilities and doing what has been forbidden, Israel had refused to do what god had commanded.  Isaiah asks God to remember that they are just made from dirt and do dumb things just like a bunch of kids do.  He asks that God remember they are his children and not hold their foolishness against them forever. 

“Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.  Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.  Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?” (Isaiah 64:10-12)

How far will God’s judgment go?  Their great cities and farmlands have become like a desert or wilderness area with no inhabitants and Jerusalem is just a ruin.  The beautiful temple where they once offered sacrifices to God has been burned down, and all the things they once valued are now just bits of trash that need to be disposed of.  Will God continue to punish them or or respond to their prayers?

“I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.  I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.  Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.” Isaiah 65:1-7)

God’s response is that now they are begging God to end his punishment even though they have deliberately ignored his repeated warnings and remonstrations, frequently doing what he told them not to do like a little child who when told not to do something, deliberately does it and then looks at their parent as if daring them to do anything about it, and when scolded shouts “I hate you, don’t touch me to their father or mother.”

Their rebellion has reached a level God can no longer ignore.  They have disrespected him and ignored his provision and efforts, and now he is going to allow them to suffer the consequences of their behavior, like a father who allows his son to be taken to jail for some crime or makes his daughter take care of an illegitimate child to learn the consequences of their sin.   Other people may see it as being cruel, but it is the only way they will learn not to do those things.   Keeping them from suffering the consequences leads them to believe what they have done is acceptable.

“Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.  And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.  And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.” (Isaiah 65:8-10)

Like a farmer pruning grapes, who sees a cluster forming, God will not destroy it, but will trim away things around it them to give them room to grow.  Such pruning may seem drastic to those who don’t understand and they assume he is just cutting off everything.  The end result of his pruning will be descendants of Israel and Judah that will inherit the land God has promised them.  The land will then be a land where the herds can live at peace.

“But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.  Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.” (Isaiah 65:11-12)

Unfortunately, Israel was still like that rebellious child, ignoring God’s instruction and running around with a group of rebellious friends, and devoting their efforts to pleasing them instead.  As a result they will have to be punished , with some of them even dying as a result because they refuse to listen to God, even deliberately doing what he has forbidden to show they don’t have to obey him. 

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.  And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:13-17)

Because of their open rebellion, God will bless those who are obedient, but those of his children who refuse to obey will be left without even the necessities, and find themselves embarrassed for their poverty.  His servants will have a wonderful life while his children struggle and cry out in despair and frustration.  Their family name will become a curse, with people refusing to help them because they shouldn’t need help.  God will call another group to take their place and those who whave been so proud of their own abilities will instead focus on what God has done.  God will create a new heaven and earth, and the problems of this world will be forgotten.  

Why Doesn’t God Answer?

Isaiah 63:7-64:7

“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.  For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63:7-9)

There is a very real tendency for people to forget what God has done for them when things are not going as they hoped, with the result that they begin to feel he has broken his promises.  Isaiah endeavors to remind them what God has done for them.  He reminds them how loving and kind God has been in giving them a land of their own, claiming them as his own children, saving them from their enemies, and  how many times he had redeemed them from captivity to other nations, enabling them to survive until they were able to reestablish themselves.

“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.  Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?  That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name?  That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?

As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name.  Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained?” (Isaiah 63:10-15)

Unfortunately, Israel and Judah have been like a horse or dog being led by their owner that decides to go somewhere else than where he is trying to lead them, fighting their leash or lead rope and struggling to go their own way and forgetting how much they have been blessed when the allowed him to have His way.  During the years in the wilderness, God took them like a shepherd, avoiding enemies and providing the food they needed every day.  That same God was leading in Isaiah’s day and he had not lost any of his power, nor did he love them any less. 

“Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.  The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary.  We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.” (Isaiah 63:16-19)

A thousand years after God made the promise to Abraham, He might not know who they were. And Jacob might not recognize them as his descendants but God was still their father and protector.  Why has he allowed them to turn away and be so stubborn against doing what is right or showing him proper respect?  Why has he allowed people who were not his children and never obeyed him to control the land and destroy the holy things.  He requests that God fix things up for their sake. 

“Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence.  As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!  When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.  Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.” (Isaiah 64:1-5)

Isaiah asks that God would reveal himself in mighty power, like lava flowing down from the mountains, boiling away even the streams of water and melting the very rocks to make the enemies know how powerful He is.  It would be like it had in the past when God had done things they couldn’t imagine and their enemies were afraid of the God of Israel, 

Even in the Past. When god did those wonderful and powerful things, they still had no idea of the wonderful things God has planned and can do for those who follow and trust him completely or the fellowship they can have.  God will make himself known to those who are doing what he has commanded and are enjoying the privilege.  In John 14:21-23, Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.   Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

If a person will demonstrate his love of God by obeying him.  The Spirit of God will indwell him, empowering and encouraging him and developing a relationship others never experience. 

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.  And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.” (Isaiah 64:6-7)

Unfortunately, the Jews have not chosen to establish such a relationship with God.  They insist that he do everything they want while making no effort themselves to develop it, much like a wife who blames her husband for never talking to her but insists on vacuuming the floor or walking out to do something else while he tries to talk to her, making it clear she has no interest in what he is trying to say.  Their best efforts to do what is right are soiled with the wrong attitudes and have lost their shine and beauty like a leaf fallen from a tree.    Their sins have separated between them and God, so that they no longer really make an effort to please him, with the result that God is no longer going out of his way to try to talk to them.

Treading the Winepress

Isaiah 62:1-63:6

“For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.  And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.” (Isaiah 62:1-2)

Because God loves the Israelite people, and his love for the city of Jerusalem, He will never stop warning them of what is wrong until they finally turn and keep His law.  When they do their righteousness will shine forth and their salvation as a result will be apparent like a lighted lamp.  The unbelieving around them will see the results of their righteousness and God’s blessing.  They will be called by a new name God will give them. 

“Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.  Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.  For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.” (Isaiah 62:3-5)

When they turn to God, Israel will become a crown of glory or a trophy in His hand a sign or victory though it was hard to win.  They will no longer be considered the as the one whose lover left them, and their land considered barren.  Instead they will be called His delight, and their land called husband, because God is pleased with them, and their land is like a husband providing the very best for his wife.  The descendants of Israel will cling to her and God will rejoice like a loving groom who has just been married.

“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence.  And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” (Isaiah 62:6-7)

God placed watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem to warn her of her sin.  They were never to stop warning her or reminding her of the Lord.  Those same watchman would constantly remind God of his promises until his promise is fulfilled. 

“The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.” (Isaiah 62:8-9)

Because of their sin. God has allowed Israel’s enemies to steal the crops they have grown and the things they have produced, so that their labor has been wasted.  One day, that will no longer happen, but the ones who did the work will get to enjoy the benefits of their labor.   

“Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.  Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.  And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.” (Isaiah 62:10-12)

When the Lord returns and sets up his kingdom, he will prepare a highway for the Jews and people who migrate to Israel, removing the obstacles so they can come easily.  He will also set a standard, like a flag for the people to rally around on their journey.  God will announce his commitment to Israel and they will be called God’s chosen people.  Jerusalem will no longer be just a ruin, but a place where People want to go.

“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?

I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.  For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” (Isaiah 63:1-4)

Who is this person who comes from the east, from Edom, in Saudi Arabia, and Bozrah in Iraq with such amazing clothing and obvious power?   Why is his clothing stained like he has been treading out the grapes in a winepress? 

The Lord answers that it is the righteous savior who is coming and that he has trodden out the judgment of the Lord on the peoples of the earth, exacting vengeance for the hurts they have done to his people.

Revelation 19:11-16 describes these events as well.  “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

“And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.  And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.” (Isaiah 63:5-6)

The Lord looked for someone to come to the rescue of God’s people, but no one did.  In anger against the world’s treatment of them, He stepped forward to bring them salvation.  He will destroy those who have despised his people, treading them down like weeds in path, leaving them bent every which way as if they were drunk and with the stalks broken so they can no longer hold themselves up. 

God’s Mandate

Isaiah 61:1-11

“The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Isaiah describes the mandate God has given him, as a prophet to Israel, foreshadowing what Christ would provide for mankind, but it applies to every follower of Christ today, and especially the pastors and teachers.  They are to provide good news to meek people who are not so wrapped up in themselves that they won’t listen to anybody else.  They are to help them recover from their emotional injuries, showing there is deliverance from the consequences of sin, but also that they can be delivered from the control of sin today.  They are to tell them about the Lord’s setting up his earthly kingdom, and warn them of his judgment of the earth.  They are to assure people that the sorrow will eventually be over and that there is something better to come in the future., so that they are looking to the future with a sense of eagerness, thanking God rather than complaining and being depressed.  The people will be known as God’s people at that time. 

“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.  And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.” (Isaiah 61:4-5)

When the time comes, they will rebuild the ancient cities and communities that have been nothing but ruins for centuries.  People from other lands will flock to Jerusalem working for the Jews, doing menial work such as herding sheep and farming the land. 

“But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.  For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.” (Isaiah 61:6-7)

During the Tribulation, many of the Jews will turn to Christ, and whn He establishes his earthly kingdom, those who believe in him will be counted as his priests and servants.  Like Old Testament priests, they will receive a portion of everything given to God.  Because of the degradation and shame they have suffered for serving god, they will receive a double portion, rejoicing and enjoying their newfound freedoms and power.  Revelation 20:4-6 describes a little of this.  “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” During that time no sin will be condoned.

“For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.  And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.” (Isaiah 61:8-9)

The Lord loves justice and discernment.  He hates having the fruits of robbery and wrong doing offered as an offering to thank him for his help or as an effort to enlist his help.  He will direct them in the proper way, making an eternal contract with the people.  As a result, their descendants will be widely known, as God’s people that god blesses.

“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.  For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.” (Isaiah 61:10-11)

Because of what God will do, his people will rejoice for what he does for them, knowing he has given clothed them with Christ’s righteousness and given them eternal salvation, almost like a bride or bridegroom putting on their wedding gown or tuxedo in celebration.  Just as he causes the plants to bud and the garden plants to grow, God will cause his people to be righteous praise him before all the nations of the world.  

Prophecy of New Jerusalem

Isaiah 59:21-60:22

“As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.” (Isaiah 59:21)

God’s original covenant in the law was dependent on human effort to obey that law and as Romans 8:3-4 tells us, it was unable to save people as a result.  “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  Galatians 3:23-24 tells us if it had been possible for the law to take away sin, mankind could have been saved by his own efforts.  “… For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

While the Law promised the best possible life here on earth, even keeping it perfectly would not get anyone into heaven, as a result the Law was a curse, leaving the people with no hope of eternity.  In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promises to make a new covenant with them.  “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Under that new covenant, Isaiah 44:3 explains, “…I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.”  Instead of trying to measure up to the minimum physical standard required by the Law for a good life on earth, they will have the Holy Spirit, to enable them to live a life of spiritual righteousness, in which sin is no longer an issue.  There will be no problem with forgetting what is right or wrong because it will be an innate part of the person’s life, rather than a set of rules he is trying to keep.   

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:1-3)

When the Lord sets up his earthly kingdom and the Holy Spirit indwells Israel, The Antichrist’s kingdom will be in power, directed by Satan.  The world will be enslaved by sin and darkness, and Christ’s Light shining in Israel will draw people like moths are drawn to a light in the darkness. 

“Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.  Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.  The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.  All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.” (Isaiah 60:4-7)

The influx of people coming to worship God at the Temple will amaze the Jews.  All the people of Jewish heritage will seek to be there, but the Gentiles will come as well, leaving their false religions and converting to the worship of God.  they will come from every direction and their camels and means of transport will cover the land and the offerings they bring will enrich the land.  All of them will be accepted on God’s altar.

“Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?  Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.  And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.  For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.  The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.” (Isaiah 60:8-13)

The traders and shipping nations of the world will be the first to turn, transporting the Jews to Israel, and turning to him themselves, bringing the power and wealth of the world to Israel. Revelation 21:22-26 describes these details about the Great city, New Jerusalem.  “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.  And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.  And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.”

“The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Isa 60:16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.  Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” (Isaiah 60:14-18)

When Christ sets up his kingdom, Israel’s enemies will come humbly asking forgiveness and their officers and guards will not have to keep peace but will be at peace themselves.  The detractors of Israel will themselves live by the same standards and violence and vandalism will cease.  The walls will represent the standard of salvation with the gates that are never shut a place of praise because they don’t shut people out.

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.  Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.  Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.  A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.” (Isaiah 60:19-22)

Revelation 21:27 concludes, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”

Sin Is Preventing God’s Blessings

Isaiah 59:1-20

“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Threatened by the Assyrians and in fear of defeat, Judah was desperate for help.  Israel had already been conquered.  God reminds them, nothing had taken away his strength.  He still had the power to save them if he chose to do so.  The problem was that they had deliberately and intentionally broken their covenant with Him for so long.  Most contracts define the penalties for failure to fulfill their contract by either party, and the covenant with Israel was no exception.  Because of their breaking the covenant, God was applying the prescribed penalties.  He refused to honor his part any longer until they started doing theirs.  He lists his complaints.

 “For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.  None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.  They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.  Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.  Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.  The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.” (Isaiah 59:3-8)

Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy go into detail as to Israel’s responsibilities under the covenant.  A major part of the Law related to how they were to treat other people.  They had ignored God’s laws, killing and allowing murderers to go free, lying and deceiving each other, and deliberately doing things he had forbidden.  There was no real concern for justice for the victim or insistence on having the truth made public.  Instead they spent their time conspiring how they could get the advantage.  Their conspiracies were like a spider’s web, intended to catch anything that came in contact with it.  They don’t understand that some of the things they are protecting are not spider eggs, but the eggs of poisonous snakes.  When the eggs break open, those snakes will attack anything that gets close.  The webs will not contain them or be valued as clothing and they will not hesitate to eat the spiders that took care of them. 

The people who have been raised in these webs of intrigue have no consideration for those who protected them, or their standards.  They actively and intentionally commit violence and wickedness, seizing every opportunity to maim or kill people.  They devote their energies to figuring out how to injure others and vandalize their property.  They have no thought for the rights of others or of getting along with them, and anyone who associates with them lives in constant danger. 

“Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.  We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.  We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.” (Isaiah 59:9-11)

As a result of their actions. There is no justice or resolution of issues between them.  While they expect everything to work out, it is like they are fumbling around in the dark feeling their way along like a blind man and stumbling over every problem regardless how obvious the solution might be to others.  They are as alone and isolated as a dead person, and their threats and calls for help bet no response.  There is nobody or nothing coming to their rescue. 

“For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.  And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.  Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.” (Isaiah 59:12-15)

Because they have for rebelled so many times and made no effort to change, lying to and about God and refusing to obey or keep their covenant, they are no longer experiencing the freedom and peace they once had.  Truth and equality no longer exist and anyone who tries to do right becomes a victim of wicked.  God is very upset that there is no effort to make things right. 

“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.  For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.  According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense.  So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 59:16-20)

Because God saw that their e was no effort to make things right and that those who tried to do right were victimized, he has provided a savior to save those who are righteous.  While he provides salvation and righteousness to protect his people, there is also vengeance against those who attack them.  Each person will receive fitting rewards or punishment for what they have done.  His judgment will be a time of terror and fear.  When they try to attack and overrun his people Christ himself will protect those who have turned from their sin to Him.  Revelation 19 describes his coming and defense of his people.