Isaiah 65:17-25 – Be prepared for a great future

Eschatologically, the Bible teaches that there will come a time of blessing in the future. This period has been referred to as the age of the Messiah. During this time, believers can anticipate blessings. Isaiah refers to the creation of “new heavens and a new earth”. From 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Behold if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation…” We conclude new creation begins with the works of Christ. Then in 2 Peter 3:3-13, we will see what Christ has begun being brought to its completion at His second coming and the final judgment.

In these verses, the blessings in this new age are enumerated. Firstly, God will bring a total newness to everything. The former things will not be the narrative. The past will be erased and remembered no more. In its place, there will be gladness and rejoicing. Secondly. Jerusalem will be a place of great joy, rejoicing, and celebration. Sorrow or tears brought about by man’s fallen condition will be removed and be unheard of. Thirdly, longevity will be the experience of the people. No premature death will be experienced, and older folks will live out their full length of life. God, Himself will be rejoicing in the destiny of His people. Fourthly, verses 21-23 speak of living a satisfying life of peace and abundance. Their work will be fruitful and productive and they will be satisfied by the labor of their hands. Fifthly, what will be more wonderful is that their cry to God will be heard. Before they even say a word to God their desire will already be answered. Finally, Zion will be a place of peaceful co-existence. It will be a place where ferocious animals will live peacefully with the timid and mild ones. None will take advantage of the other. This seems to indicate that enemies will be at peace with each other. Peace and tranquillity will be the common experience of people in that safe and holy city. Ultimately. evil will not be found in this new creation of God.    

 

What a time it will be for us who is heading there! Now that we know of these glorious promises what must we do in preparation for those great experiences? In 2 Peter 3:11-12, we are told to live rightly in anticipation of the glorious future. Peter said that we ought to be people who nurture “…holy conduct and godliness,  looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”