“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But 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;. . .” (Isaiah 65:17-19a)
As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead we rejoice as we read a wonderful prophecy that speaks of the joys of the Kingdom of Heaven, the joys that await the faithful. The prelude to this wonderful view of God’s Kingdom, however, prophesies the other side of the picture, the judgment of God’s chosen people for their gross idolatry. Judgment fell on many if not most of the Israelites for though they liked to be called the Lord’s chosen ones, they deserted Him and worshipped other gods and exalted themselves. The new coming kingdom will exclude them but is now open for those who were not Israelites or Jews by nationality, but to Gentiles and pagans who by faith in Christ would be grafted into the Lord’s people. They will enjoy the peace of God’s kingdom which is the new creation, uncorrupted and pure like the Garden of Eden once was.
This prophecy is fulfilled by and in Jesus. His death and resurrection changed everything for they destroyed the power of sin and death and ushered in the Kingdom of God. Christ came into the world to intercede on our behalf, to redeem us from sin so that we could enter into The Father’s holy presence. Our union with Jesus means peace and joy for us, a peace and joy offered to all mankind. Though such peace is what all people desire, many, like those in Isaiah’s day will reject it because they reject the way it comes: through the cross, through faith in Christ, through surrender of the will to Christ our Lord.