God's Glorious Light

Read Isaiah 60
 
Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
 
ONE could say this first verse of Isaiah 60 is a topic heading for  Isaiah’s final six chapters. We go back one verse to read in Isaiah 59:21 “My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever,” says the Lord. This proclaims the power of God’s Word. Then the prophet begins to reveal how God will deepen his promises of the gospel’s power to shine throughout the universe, into eternity.
   The LORD’s promises throughout Isaiah 60 range from Israel’s return from exile to the eternal future. Very specifically, God declares his people will have help rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. This came true when Darius of Persia supported Nehemiah’s work (Read Nehemiah). We see a promise of trade resuming, and Israel will begin to gain wealth. The people will assemble once more in Jerusalem under God’s protection. Ezra, Nehemiah and Zechariah describe the Jews fulfilling this and beginning to worship God again.
   The prophecy moves into the age of the church and the eternal future. Peace within Jerusalem will come in the new heaven and earth. Kings, nations and people who reject God will be gone. God “will glorify the place of (his) feet.” (verse 13) promising he will be seated on the throne of glory with worshipers at his feet. Revelation 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
   God’s people will be called the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 60:14). God promises his people will live in his peace and splendor: Isaiah 60:18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. 19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. This is God’s promise repeated in Revelation 21. This is the gospel’s purpose, to shine a light into the world, so those in faith will know the way to the new heaven and earth.