Isaiah 66:15-24
There are quite a number of scriptures, both in the Old and New Testament, that refer to, preview and/or give us information about end times. I love this aspect of the Bible, how God connects and ties things together throughout His Word. It's intriguing and fascinating, and yes, even a little challenging, but that's a good thing for us--right? Today we're at Isaiah 66:15-24 and this is good example of one of these passages. What we're reading is prophecy about end times and specifically God's judgment and a time when all mankind will see the glory of the Lord.
So how do you see this passage fit with what we're reading in Revelation? Was there a particular passage, verse or phrase that reinforced or helped you better understand something you read in Revelation? Tami W.
The future will be a disaster and so scary for those who reject Jesus. He will come back, we will see HIS Glory; "For the LORD will execute judgment by fire And by His sword on all flesh, And those slain by the LORD will be many. Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens" Survivors are send to; "declare My glory among the nations". He doesn't want any to perish.Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I long to live in and stay in Jesus, no matter how I feel. I want to go to the Garden of EDEN. His new world will endure forever. When I remember Jesus' blood shed for me, I confess my sins and repent then I leap for joy and give HIM praise and honor with a pure heart. Only in prayer with Him in the Holy of Holies is that possible. I see nothing good in me or happening that would glorify Jesus if I do not spend time in HIS Word. I thank BTTB to help me do this..Praise The Father, Son and Holy Spirit Thank you God in the good and the bad times!
Just as Revelation states, God will bring down judgment upon those who deserve it and He also gives hope to those who deserve it as well.
Just the first few words in verse 18 stood out for me; "“For I know their works..." obviously reminded me of the Seven churches. The Lord knows! .... it's amazing how many people either don't understand, or more likely DON'T WANT TO UNDERSTAND, the common sense law "that you'll someday "reap what you've sown"
A quick thought regarding Is.66:18 (although there is much in the entire passage that links to The Revelation): But, when reading (verse 18) "For I know their works and their thoughts", I'm reminded of Jesus' review of the 7 churches (those chapters are among my favorites), He told each 1, "I know your works."
He really knows our our thoughts, our deeds, all about us. There is no pretense. And, just as in the verse "and the time is coming"...well, it's coming for all of us, too!
May we be found in the faith when Jesus returns.
Verse 20: Bringing in new believers from all nations is an offering to the Lord. Application: This is the work of which I must be about...sharing Jesus as I go...sensing His promptings.
Also, notice that there are various means of bringing others to God's holy mountain. I believe this is symbolic of how God uses the gifts and talents of believers to bring in the great harvest. Application: What gifts and talents has God given me to use as a tool to bring others to Christ? Am I being faithful with them?
Lastly, notice that some will have the honor of being chosen by the Lord to be priests and Levites. Application:The Lord will examine our life
on earth to determine our work in heaven.
These verses in Isaiah had a law I have been looking for. It says all that eat flesh of pig will die. I think this is one law people just don't get. It was encouraging to me that those who are purifying themselves like quiting eating pig will be victorious! How great is our God to give us His laws and statutes to follow. May we all be found blameless in His coming day. :o)
The fact that the Book of Isaiah was written so long before Jesus came down on earth and that God will come with judgment upon the world shows that we must take God's Word seriously. It is NOT a joke. Jesus is coming again and we must right now, because we have right now, bow down, seek forgiveness and ask the Lord to come into our hearts and confess that we believe in Him because we do not know what will happen later today or tomorrow.
As Mary says, let us praise the Father" and let us also give Him thanks for His grace and His mercy. Jesus' Revelation to John just confirms His coming in glory and non-believers should take heed. His love for us is so great that He does not want to lose any of us.
It is frightening to imagine the destruction that will come upon those who reject Christ as the son of God and God as the creator of the world. I like the contrast between this horrible judgement and a God who would send his son to die for mankind, a loving God indeed. We should I believe remind unbelievers both of the horror of rejection and also the goodness of a loving God.