Isaiah 66:15-21 – Let’s fulfil our priestly function

The focus of Isaiah 66 is on the whole issue of worship. In this chapter, the two types of worshippers are also differentiated. In verses 15-17, Isaiah sees a sure judgment of the Lord for the people who indulge in detestable pagan practices. God is seen coming furiously in fire and chariots like the whirlwind to execute judgment by fire and sword on humanity. The people He will judge are those who followed the detestable and abominable ways of the pagan. These people will set themselves apart and purify themselves just to coddle in the abominable practices of the pagan. They will go to the center of pagan worship in the garden. And there like them, they will eat pig’s flesh, and detestable stuff and mice. For being involved in such practices, a certain judgment awaits them. God will bring their abomination to a swift end once and for all.

Meanwhile, Isaiah shows us God’s alternate plan in verses 18-21. God will be revealing His glory for all nations to see. God will set aside the faithful among His people and will send them to the nations to declare His glory. They will bring the Gentiles to God as an offering to Him. And He, on the other hand, will raise from among them who gathered to Him a true priesthood who will serve Him. Isaiah suggests here that winning others for God is a priestly function.   

The heart of God is for worshippers to be raised not only from Jews but also from the world of the Gentiles. In Christ Jesus, Paul in Ephesians said that God’s concentration is not on the Jews only. He had broken the barrier so that not only the Jews but also the Gentiles can come to experience the glory of His Kingdom. We know that the Gospel is God’s means of reaching the world so that they too can taste God’s goodness. We who have acknowledged Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord are now made His priests. We must stand in the gap between Him and lost mankind. We must not only pray for them, but we must also declare the goodness of God to win them for the Kingdom. Let us fulfil our priestly function!