What a chapter!
It deserves to be preached, verse by verse!
But as I read it (again) this morning, a couple of truths (nuggets) seized my attention. (That’s the thrilling thing about the Bible, one of the thrilling things. It is a living Book, always imparting new insight!)
God speaking to Israel: “… and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.” Isaiah 60:16c
“Saviour!”
“Redeemer!”
Both new Terms, Names … as far as the Jews are concerned. (Sounds like we’re studying the NEW Testament, doesn’t it?)
Then … “the Mighty One of Jacob!”
An old Term, Name …. promised to Israel at her very inception as a God-created little Nation! (The specific expression “Mighty One” translates “abiyr” in Hebrew, at its root meaning “One Who flies, hovers, moves His Wings!”
As in Deuteronomy 32:11-12 … “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, BEARETH THEM ON HER WINGS: so the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.”
Wow!
“As the eagle” … “so the Lord!”
Then another thought … Isaiah 60:18, what a promise! “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.”
No longer Israel, Jerusalem … the hated!
No more terrorism!
Just the Presence of the Lord, and His Salvation and Praise!
Then one verse later … a fact John (from Patmos) reiterates in the Book of Revelation, in the Bible’s last chapter really.
God again to Israel … “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” Isaiah 60:19, but compare this to Revelation 22:5.
God (and His Radiant Glory) in the midst of His people! So much so, SO BRIGHT, the sun and moon have become obsolete!
No wonder so many of us pray … “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20
Isaiah 60, read it again sometime today.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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