Today you should read: Isaiah 60
Yesterday, in Isaiah 59 we read, “Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, but behold, darkness, for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope along the wall like blind men, we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at midday as in the twilight, among those who are vigorous we are like dead men.” This confession was rewarded. In our passage today, the darkness is removed and the Light established over Jerusalem.
As I read Isaiah 60, I am reminded of John 1:5—the Light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. When Jesus came the first time, He conquered the darkness on the Cross, which we celebrated at Easter. When He returns, He will conquer the darkness with His illuminating presence sitting on Jerusalem’s throne. Like the moon reflects the sun, Jerusalem will be the light of the whole world, reflecting the light of the Lord.
All the nations will bring offerings to Israel, the best the world has to offer. There will be no danger—the “gates will be open continually; they will not be closed day or night.” “Violence will not be heard again.”
Depending on your theological persuasion, we may disagree about when the events in this passage take place. In my view, this passage clearly illustrates the millennial reign of Christ, when He will establish a world-wide empire centered in Jerusalem. This is after both the rapture of the Church and the following tribulation period when Christ returns and rules, but before the final judgment. This time will usher in unbelievable peace and prosperity as this passage clearly illustrates.
No matter where you land, we can all agree on two things: First, light beats darkness, and Second, God keeps his promises.
Have you ever been in a deep dark cave? On Mammoth Cave tours, they will often shut out the lights so you can experience a blackness to which your eyes will never adjust. That was humanity’s hope for the sin problem before Christ. The darkness of sin was pure blackness. In that cave, however, turn on one little flashlight and suddenly, the whole thing lights up. A little light goes a long way.
Christ brought the Light to the world. He brought hope. He brought salvation from sin. That light has been spreading over the world since that time. However, when He returns, His radiance will fill the Earth, defeating darkness.
The second thing to note is that God keeps His promises. This passage, like many others, can seem a little too good to be true. Our experience in this life is often one hurt after another. We read these passages as a dessert mirage, an unreachable fantasy from desperation. However, God is faithful to keep his word. As tough as things are, we must remember that sin still reigns in this world, but its days are numbered. Christ will return in victory to right every wrong.
Question for reflection:
What areas of your life do you need God’s light to shine? Is there anywhere that darkness hasn’t been vanquished?
By: Tyler Short — Connections Ministry Associate
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