“Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth… Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people.” Isa 65:17-19
Lord Jesus, a big “Wow!” is in order. There’s a lot of joy and gladness crammed into these verses, and it all flows from you. Indeed, it’s difficult to absorb all the goodness contained in this promise-pregnant passage. By your Spirit, help us realize these images are to be taken quite literally. A metaphorical faith leads to metaphorical Christians and a metaphorical church.
Because of your first coming, you already greatly delight in us, the way Isaiah describes in this passage, and fellow prophet, Zephaniah, also affirmed (Zeph. 3:17). In fact, you love us as much as you ever will—Savior to saved, Bridegroom to the most unlikely, ill-deserving bride ever. Jesus, how is this conceivable, much less possible? Because you took our sin on the cross, and clothed us in your perfect righteousness by your resurrection. The Gospel is this true, good, and beautiful. Hallelujah!
At your second coming, we will finally love you as much as you deserve. Everything you promise in this vision will fully come to pass. The “new heavens and new earth” will be our current world resurrected and renewed—released from every vestige of sin and death. And we, your every-nation bride, won’t just be happy, we will “be a gladness.”
Jesus, I tremble as I ponder these promises and write this prayer. I ache as I risk hoping it really IS all going to come to pass. Along with my praying friends, we shout, “Thank You!” and humbly ask, “Hasten the Day.” So Very Amen.
