What is Isaiah 66 describing? Are we told about the future of Israel, the future of the church, or the collective future of humanity? The language speaks of the birth, death, rebellion, and even restoration. Often we become bogged down in the minutia of the text. How should we interpret these verses? When we vehemently defend our views of end times and what will happen when Jesus Christ returns what gain is there for the collective body of Christ?
“Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:1,2 What did you note from verses 1 and 2? There is a great truth that is destined to bring encouragement. Our identity is defined in these verses. ”For as new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain. From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD.” Isaiah 66:22,23 The thought is repeated at the close of Isaiah 66. Can you see the hope given?
In the midst of the minutia a simple fact is given. God made all that was, is, and will be. Can you understand this marvelous fact? All that we see is ordered and created by God. This world is not a chaos driven roller coaster ride that we just have to endure. God is in control and His existence is our hope. There are a great many details that Christians will choose to debate but it is of greater importance to dwell and meditate on the truth that God was, is, and will be our everything. There is no need, desire, or longing that cannot be satisfied by knowing God. What needs do you have? Are there desires that overwhelm you? Has this broken world caused you to long for more? Turn to God and you will find satisfaction.
