"Behold, I Will Create"

Read Isaiah 65
 
Isaiah 65:17-25 “Behold, I will create a new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy…23 They will not toil in vain or bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them…25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but dust will be the serpent's food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
 
AS Isaiah is a mini-Bible, you might say Isaiah 65 is an even more condensed outline of Scripture. The first seven verses first tell of God creating Israel. Second is the record of their disobedience. Then verses 8-16 point to God using a remnant of Israel to be the root of his righteous kingdom on earth.
   God will act within the remnant to change to the world through his Son’s ministry. In the Son’s resurrection and the Spirit’s power, the Father blesses first the Jews, then the Gentiles with his salvation. This, of course, is the New Testament. Isaiah’s images of peace and plenty identify the new creation to come. Still, you must know God is clear to say the disobedient such as those who worship Fortune and Destiny (false gods) will be judged.
   Then read the remarkable description of the new heaven and earth in verses 17-25. These are familiar words because we love to know of the coming hope and joy. God’s perfect peace returns to earth. Sin and death are gone. Even the animals will be at peace with one another. All creation will live in unity with the holy God.
   How good God is that The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Once sin is done on earth, no one will remember or consider sin and weaknesses any longer. The saved will live in God’s holy splendor, unfettered with any remorse, unforgiveness, anger or temptations. Our minds will be clear and free to fully worship God and to completely love one another. Just as clearly as the apostle John wrote in Revelation, the prophet Isaiah describes God’s love story completed in eternal wonder.
   Do you not think everyone would want this? Let’s pray we understand God’s gift, and let’s pray God’s promise comes to those who are yet to know him. Much work is to be done throughout our neighborhoods, towns, cities, states, nations and world to reveal God’s grace. We can do this work with a blessed assurance God’s purpose will be accomplished. Be eager to join with him.

Psalms 67:3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. 4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. 5 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.