SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 66
JUDGMENT AND HOPE (vs. 1-24)
God welcomes those who are humble and contrite in spirit. “Trembling at God’s Word” means to respect what God says and fear to disobey it.
The restoration of Israel kingdom will be as sudden and joyful as the birth of a baby. The travail of their tribulations will give birth to glory, peace and joy. Enemies will be defeated and the gentile nations will share the glory. Israel’s worship will be accepted by the Lord as a holy offering.
THOUGHTS:
This is the final chapter of Isaiah. God will lift the humble, judge all people, destroy the wicked and bring all believers together when He will establish the new heavens and the new earth.
Isaiah contrasted the humble who have a profound reverence to God’s messages and their application of life with those who choose their own way. The arrogant make sacrifices as an external compliance but their hearts are far from God. God curse the proud but show mercy to the humble. Choose to be humble and walk in God’s pathway to enjoy eternal life.
At Christ’s second coming, there is a sobering portrayal of judgment for the faithless. But there is a glamorous picture of rich reward for the faithful. Which group would you like to belong?