Reflections on the Prophecy of Isaiah

The prophecy focuses on the rebellious Jews who were at that time divided into two opposing nations, Israel in the north and Judah in the south.  The Word of the Lord calls all the sons of Abraham to repent, turn from rebellion to humble submission and joyful obedience.  In that way the nation of Israel will be restored and its capital, Jerusalem, shall shine as a light to all the world – revealing how God can restore repentant rebels.

So Isaiah harkens back to King David and he foresees Jerusalem restored with God’s favor.  But that is not the end of the story, which is that all people on the earth will worship God Almighty as he is to be worshipped by all peoples on the Holy Hill, Jerusalem. The purpose of all this is to bring the Gospel of salvation to all mankind. We already noted that God said, “It is too small a thing that you should be my Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel’ I will also make You a light to the nations so that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6. Indeed it is too small a thing to restore the physical nation of Israel, the big thing is that the whole world will be invited to fall before God and be saved and be empowered by Him.

As I read all 66 chapters I see Jerusalem, I see the Jewish people, the Temple and so forth.  It seems like the focus is on the sons of Abraham.  As I read more carefully I see that God’s plan includes the salvation of all who believe.  God’s purpose is to save all mankind.  The restoration of Israel is a crucial part of God’s mission, that is for sure.  But the grand vision is the universal invitation for all people to come to the New Jerusalem, the Body of Christ, and praise Him forever.

We live today under that same mandate.  Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Luke 16:15.   That is the mission of God and God’s people.